Calgary’s downtown core has welcomed a vibrant new addition at the intersection of 5th Street and 14th Avenue. The Beltline Urban Murals Project (BUMP) is a community-led, artist-focused festival that transforms public spaces into an expansive, open-air contemporary art gallery, showcasing street art from around the world.
BUMP takes place every summer, bringing local and global street artists together to create murals across the city. Since its launch in 2017, the festival has grown to include over 270 installations, highlighting the creativity of both artists and the community.
Avenue Living Communities wanted to get involved in the festival and donated space on one of our buildings for a mural. Located in the beltline, The Rundle now features DANCING ANIMALS, a mural that showcases a harmonious coexistence of Canada’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat.
The mural was created by JUMU Monster (Jurena Muñoz), a Berlin-based artist with Peruvian-Chilean roots. Muñoz’s work is known for taking inspiration from shamanism, rituals, and myths, which Muñoz uses to draw connections between humans, nature, and the spirit world. Her murals are infused with cultural influences, vibrant patterns and colours that reflect her Latin American heritage to create surreal, spiritual worlds.
DANCING ANIMALS showcases a lynx gracefully clinging to a branch while an eagle soars above, surrounded by intricate decorations that highlight the beauty and complexity of the scene. "I wanted to showcase the rich diversity of Canada’s flora and fauna. My inspiration comes from the biodiversity that defines this land. Every element, from the majestic animals to the plants, represents the balance between wildlife and their environment," Muñoz explained.
This mural is not only a celebration of Canada’s natural beauty but also a call to action for environmental stewardship. Through her art, Muñoz invites viewers to reflect on the importance of protecting our environment for future generations.
Muñoz’s murals can be found in cities such as Hamburg, Dortmund, Munich, Tirana, Vienna and Berlin— and now, on Avenue Living Communities' apartments in Calgary’s Beltline!
For more information about the BUMP festival, visit yycbump.ca.