Three New Public Artworks Enhance Major Capital Projects

Surrey, B.C. – If you’ve been to Bear Creek Park or driven down King George Boulevard to cross the Nicomekl River recently, you’ve probably noticed some major construction in progress.  At City of Surrey Council last evening, Surrey City Council approved a public artwork for the Bear Creek Stadium project site which complemented two other public artworks approved previously for the King George Bridge at Nicomekl during the June 5^th regular council meeting.  

“We are thrilled to launch these new public art projects,” said Ryan Gallagher, Manager of Culture. “By creatively integrating these artworks into new infrastructure, they not only enhance the public realm, but also help create a vibrant, beautiful and inclusive community.”

The King George Bridge at Nicomekl will feature two artworks, one by Semiahmoo artist Joan Williams and one by Kwantlen artist Phyllis Atkins. The artworks consist of 28 colourful stainless steel artwork panels that will be integrated into the bridge railings and speak to the river as an important site of community and connection between the two First Nations. These panels are expected to be installed in the fall of 2023.

The public art for Bear Creek Stadium will be an artwork called Seeing Nature by Brandon Vickerd, consisting of large bronze animals that will be mounted on the east wall of the new facility. A bear, fox, rabbits, and otters will sit on the wall as if defying gravity gazing at children at the adjacent playground and waterpark, and at spectators as they enter the stadium. Seeing Nature will create a sense of joy and wonder, but also intends to foster an in-depth reflection on the relationship between humans, animals, and nature more broadly.  This artwork is expected to be installed in the spring of 2024.

Discover more about Surrey’s public art on our website at surrey.ca/publicart.