The Gathering 2024 - Event Creative Activation

Go Create: An Interactive Mural for the Gathering Conference in Banff

April 14, 20253 min read

Go Create: An Interactive Mural for the Gathering Conference in Banff-Bear and unicorn

Go Create: An Interactive Mural for the Gathering Conference in Banff

This project was completed for Labeled Agency for the Gathering Conference in Banff at the Fairmont Hotel. The Gathering Conference is a global event focused on brand and cultural leadership and was looking for a mural to ignite creativity and engagement among attendees.

Timeline for project: February 21, 2025 - February 23, 2025


PROJECT CHALLENGES

Site Challenges:

We were asked to paint live and invite attendees to join and paint with us. This meant navigating a dynamic, high-energy environment where timing and logistics had to be fluid. The challenge was to create an immersive experience that encouraged participation while keeping the artistic vision intact. Additionally, the agency decided they wanted to keep this piece and requested it to be 3x6 ft. To accommodate this, we prepared two 3x3 ft canvases, transported them to Banff, and set up two easels. We had a pre-designed artwork to guide attendees as they painted, ensuring cohesion while allowing for creative contributions.

Design Challenges:

The creative direction had to align with the theme of pushing boundaries and embracing possibilities. We needed a design that was both structured enough to guide participants and open-ended enough to allow for spontaneous contributions. The design was up to us—we decided to have the words "Go Create" with some fun flourishes surrounding the saying, using Bear and Unicorn colors that are bright and bold.

"Digital artwork created on an iPad for the 'Go Create' mural, featuring bold, vibrant flourishes and typography in Bear and Unicorn colors, designed as a guide for live painting at the Gathering Conference."

THE SOLUTION

Our approach was to create a mural that served as a living, evolving piece throughout the event. Inspired by the energy of the Gathering, we developed a bold and interactive design that encouraged attendees to add their own creative touch. This co-creation process made the artwork an extension of the event itself—an ever-changing expression of innovation and collaboration.

We used high-quality acrylics and specialized mural markers to ensure vibrancy and durability. The painting process involved layering techniques that allowed participants to add depth and texture without compromising the overall composition.

Setting up two 3x3 ft canvases on easels in the Fairmont Hotel event space for the Gathering Conference. The pre-designed artwork is ready for attendees to contribute during the live painting experience.Attendees engaging with the mural – "Conference attendees gathered around the mural, painting and adding their creative touch during the live activation.Maya and David guiding participants – "Mural artists Maya and David assisting attendees as they contribute to the interactive mural experience.


IMPACT & RESULTS

The mural became a focal point of the event, drawing in attendees who wanted to contribute and engage in a hands-on creative experience. It sparked conversations, new connections, and even unexpected artistic collaborations. Attendees left their mark—literally—on a piece of art that symbolized the collective energy of the Gathering.

Final mural displayed – "The completed 3x6 ft 'Go Create' mural with bold, vibrant flourishes in Bear and Unicorn colors.

FROM THE CLIENT

David & Maya are not only creative geniuses…but they’re incredible humans as well!

These two are building an amazing company that we all need. If you have a physical office space and need some life injected onto your walls and into your culture just do yourselves a favor and call them.

I promise you that you will thank yourselves after working with them.

“Go Create” was a collaboration with Bear & Unicorn at The Gathering Festival in Banff, AB. LBLD sponsored a stage called “The Creators Studio” and David & Maya partnered with us to do some live content creation with all 1500 attendees to paint this master piece during presentations on stage over the course of 2.5 days. It just goes to show you what we can all accomplish together in a creative environment. 10/10 will do this again.

Reilly
Labeled Agency

Labeled owners at the office hanging the 3x3 canvas done by the bear and unicorn

LOOKING FOR A MURAL ARTIST?

Whether you're in Calgary, across Alberta, or beyond, we’re here to help you create moments that invite connection and creativity. A well-designed mural doesn’t just enhance a space—it sparks engagement and leaves a lasting impact. Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life.

Reach out to schedule a call to discuss your project.

I’m Maya, a Calgary-based artist from Mexico, creating digital and analog art. I love working with mixed media, watercolours, and acrylics, exploring vibrant subjects from florals to expressive portraits. My art celebrates self-expression, authenticity, and freedom through color and movement. Currently, I’m immersed in creating large-scale murals.

Maya Corona

I’m Maya, a Calgary-based artist from Mexico, creating digital and analog art. I love working with mixed media, watercolours, and acrylics, exploring vibrant subjects from florals to expressive portraits. My art celebrates self-expression, authenticity, and freedom through color and movement. Currently, I’m immersed in creating large-scale murals.

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