WebStamp August 12, 2020
Giving Wings to the Dream
For the past 25 years one of Calgary’s iconic landmarks, Giving Wings to the Dream, has been an inspirational symbol of hope to those living with the adversity of poverty and the challenges of trauma. It adorns the old Hotel purchased by the Calgary Urban Projects Society (CUPS) on 1st St. SW between 6th and 7th Ave. It was developed as a place where people experiencing homelessness could accomplish positive outcomes and create social change.
The artist, Doug Driediger, created the public art as a representation of CUPS’s function as a non-profit society that reaches out to Calgarians helping turn the lives around of those whose lives are in chaos. Instead of a mural depicting the drama and shock to waken Calgarians to the urban poor crisis, he opted out to create something more positive and uplifting. The inspiration of hope and optimism towards a better future, something we should all be striving for together.
Doug feels that it’s meaning has become enlarged for many folks beyond the original scope of dealing with the homelessness issue. It is a signal that we are a city that tries, strives, and aims higher to make a difference by helping the less unfortunate to get back on their feet. It is one of Calgary’s first large scale murals that was given to the community by CUPS as a reward for all the local support.
The iconic mural of multi-coloured arms and hands releasing a dove of peace into a bright blue Alberta sky is a world-renowned symbol of Calgary. Giving Wings to the Dream is so popular that it is highlighted as a destination to see and photograph in Calgary online by international travellers. This is definitely a Calgary Public Art Mural done by a local artist that is a must-see. Hopefully, it will continue to be an inspiration of hope for a better future for all. It almost became a casualty of Calgary’s Vanishing Public Art but was saved from being painted over through public demand. Enjoy the experience Giving Wings to the Dream while you can.
Articles in this Issue
WebStamp August 12, 2020
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