Project Feature: Granville Island with Art is For Everyone
At City Blocks, we believe that public art belongs to everyone.
That’s the spirit behind our Art is For Everyone series, an initiative inspired by the ebullient and captivating philosophy of artist Keith Haring, who brought art out of galleries and into the public realm. Just as Haring sought to break down barriers between art and people, City Blocks partners with local artists to create unique public art pieces that seamlessly blend urban design and creativity. Our Granville Island installation, the latest project to embody this vision, is a testament to the inspiring collision of urban art and furniture, enhancing one of Vancouver’s most iconic public spaces.
Granville Island Project: Low Line Loungers with Local Flair
For this project, City Blocks collaborated with Alimentaria Mexicana and the Granville Island public market to create an installation that embodies the vibrant, creative atmosphere of the area. Four Low Line Loungers, featuring art by local Vancouver artists, now invite passersby to pause, relax, and engage with their surroundings. Each lounger reflects the unique style of its artist, turning a practical seating solution into a one-of-a-kind artistic experience.
Collaborating Artists for Granville Island:
Ali Bruce – Known for her bold, nostalgic murals, Ali’s work radiates energy, evoking a sense of playfulness and movement.
Pablo Zamudio – Drawing from his Mexican heritage, Pablo brings geometric abstraction and cultural symbolism to life through vibrant monochromatic designs.
The WKNDRS – This dynamic duo creates immersive, interactive murals that inspire community connection and creativity.
El Cafecito– Infusing the space with Latin American influences, El Cafecito work reflects the cultural diversity at the heart of Granville Island.
Art is For Everyone: Origins of the Series
The Art is For Everyone series is rooted in Haring’s belief that art should be part of everyday life and accessible to people from all walks of life. He blurred the lines between “high art” and public spaces by placing his work where people live, travel, and gather.
Following his footsteps, City Blocks launched the Art is For Everyone series to bring together urban art and design, starting with artist-designed High Line and Low Line Loungers. We aim to rethink public seating as a canvas for creativity, merging functionality with inspiration. Each lounger is a collaborative artwork, inviting communities to experience art in a way that engages them directly—in parks, plazas, and public markets.
Check out our complete collections here:
Blending Placemaking, Art, and Urban Furniture
At Granville Island, the Art is For Everyone series has transformed a collection of loungers into more than just seating. These installations reflect City Blocks' commitment to placemaking, fostering environments where urban furniture serves as both functional design and public art. Our partnership with Alimentaria Mexicana ties the project to the cultural and culinary heart of Granville Island, reinforcing the plaza as a hub for connection, creativity, and shared experiences.
Calling All Artists and Clients: Get Involved in Art is For Everyone
The success of the Art is For Everyone series demonstrates how collaboration with local artists can turn urban furniture into art that transforms public spaces. We’ve worked with incredible roster of artists, and we’re always looking to expand the series and invite new voices to deliver art for everyone with city blocks.
If you're an artist interested in working with City Blocks or a client looking to incorporate public art into seating solutions, we’d love to hear from you! To get involved, simply reach out to us via our website or social media channels. We're always open to new ideas and collaborations. Let’s create vibrant, inspiring spaces that make art a part of everyday life.
Learn more about the origins of City Blocks' art-driven urbanism and other exciting projects in our first Art is For Everyone blog. In this blog, we'll share behind-the-scenes stories, artist interviews, and insights into our design process, giving you a deeper understanding of our mission and the impact of public art.
Transforming Granville Island with Art and Design
The Granville Island installation is a shining example of how public seating can foster creativity and engagement, elevating everyday spaces into something truly extraordinary. As the series continues to grow, City Blocks is redefining how we think about urban spaces—not just as places to sit or walk through, but as platforms for art, expression, and connection.
Whether you're an artist, urbanist, or passerby, City Blocks invites you to be part of this creative journey. Stop by Granville Island to experience the Low Line Loungers firsthand and see how art and design meet urban life. We value your perspective and look forward to your contribution to this vibrant community.
Art is for everyone—and that means you too.
