Art of Belonging

Newcomers and immigrant families in Calgary often face isolation and difficulty finding their place. Long-term residents may also have few opportunities to connect with diverse voices. This gap weakens social cohesion and reduces the sense of belonging that helps communities thrive.

Art of Belonging is a community initiative led by visual artist Olamide Adedipe. The project will bring newcomers, immigrants, and long-term residents together in workshops to share stories of identity, resilience, and belonging. These stories will be transformed into large portable mural panels or indoor installations. Unlike fixed outdoor murals, the panels can travel and be displayed in community hubs such as libraries, cultural centres, and other gathering places, ensuring visibility and flexibility.

We will connect with newcomers through partnerships with immigrant-serving agencies, settlement programs, cultural networks, community associations, and faith groups. These trusted organizations will help us reach participants who might otherwise feel excluded. By meeting people where they already gather, the project will remain accessible, welcoming, and culturally sensitive.

The process is as important as the final artwork. In small workshops, participants will share stories, create symbols, and design images reflecting their experiences of belonging. Guided by the artist, these ideas will be shaped into mural designs. Participants will also help with painting, so they are not just observers but co-creators. This builds confidence and pride.

When completed, the panels will form a mural installation that celebrates Calgary’s diversity and resilience. The work will be launched with a community event and later displayed in high-traffic spaces. A digital gallery will capture both the artwork and the voices behind it, ensuring the stories live on beyond the exhibition.

The impact is clear and measurable:
• 100 participants across workshops
• One portable mural installation (three to five panels)
• One community launch event
• An online gallery of art and stories

Field Law funding will support art materials, workshop delivery, venue rentals, exhibition costs, honoraria for guest storytellers, and documentation.

This project is needed because it shifts art from something you view to something you build together. By turning migration and identity stories into public art, Art of Belonging creates a lasting reminder that everyone has a place in Calgary. 

Art of Belonging will benefit newcomers, immigrants, and long-term residents of Calgary. For many newcomers, moving to a new city comes with language barriers, cultural differences, and the pain of leaving family and familiar places behind. These challenges often create feelings of isolation and invisibility. Participating in a project that values their voices and stories helps newcomers see themselves as part of the community. By sharing experiences through art, they can build confidence, improve communication skills, and feel pride in contributing something visible and lasting to their new home.

Immigrant families, especially youth and parents, will also benefit. Youth often carry the responsibility of navigating two cultures at once, balancing the traditions of their family with the expectations of Canadian society. Parents may struggle with belonging in workplaces or neighborhoods. Workshops that bring families together with others in similar situations offer both encouragement and relief. They will see that their stories matter and that their differences are strengths.

Long-term residents will benefit as well. Many want to connect with diverse cultures but lack opportunities to do so in meaningful ways. This project offers an accessible entry point. Co-creating a mural is hands-on, non-threatening, and enjoyable. It allows people to discover shared values like family, resilience, and community across cultures. These new connections reduce stereotypes and create stronger bonds between neighbors.

The broader community will also gain. The finished portable mural panels will be displayed in hubs such as libraries, cultural centres, and community venues. These are places where thousands of Calgarians of all ages and backgrounds gather. Seeing images and hearing stories of belonging in these spaces will remind the public that Calgary is built on diversity and connection. Even those who do not participate directly will benefit from the pride and unity such artwork inspires.

In total, the project will benefit more than 100 direct participants and many more who view the murals or visit the online gallery. By empowering newcomers, engaging families, welcoming residents, and inspiring the broader public, Art of Belonging will leave a lasting impact on how belonging is felt and celebrated in Calgary.