Visitors to Coquitlam's Getaway Youth Centre (630 Poirier Street) will notice a vibrant new mural at the entrance.
COQUITLAM, B.C., December 4, 2024 – Visitors to Coquitlam's Getaway Youth Centre (630 Poirier Street) will notice a vibrant new mural at the entrance. Designed by youth and created during a community painting session, “There is Always Good in the World” is the product of a partnership between United Way BC and the City of Coquitlam.
A Collaborative Approach to Public Art
The mural is part of Coquitlam’s Streetscape Enhancement Program’s Mural Project, which aims to beautify the community and encourage connection. Guided by local artist Laura Kwok, the mural design was developed during a recent engagement session where more than 30 Coquitlam youth shared ideas to help shape the artistic concept. Laura then brought these ideas together in a creative and impactful design that shared their vision of a healthy, caring, and inclusive community.
In early November, Laura joined forces with Coquitlam youth, City Council, City staff and United Way BC’s South Coquitlam Hi Neighbour initiative team to bring the mural to life. At a collaborative painting day, Coquitlam’s youth participants were able to see their ideas take shape and gain hands-on experience creating a significant public art project in Coquitlam.
Empowering Young Voices and Building a Brighter Future
This project aligns with Coquitlam’s Youth Strategy, which focuses on creating more inclusive and easily accessible opportunities for youth. Projects like this one help build a stronger community by encouraging creativity and leadership, and empowering young residents to help shape their city.
Coquitlam offers a wide range of youth programs and services, including recreational activities at youth centres, volunteer opportunities and special events, hosted in welcoming spaces where youth can connect, collaborate and find balance.
To learn more about Coquitlam’s Youth Services, visit coquitlam.ca/youth.
About United Way BC
United Way BC supports healthy, caring and inclusive communities by strengthening vital connections that support people in need. Representing the five regions of Central and Northern Vancouver Island, Lower Mainland, Southern Interior, Thompson Nicola Cariboo, and Northern BC, our organization serves a population of more than 4.5 million people, with a focus on urgent response, kids and youth, seniors, poverty, mental health and food security.
Learn more about United Way BC at uwbc.ca.
About the Artist
Laura Kwok is an illustrator and muralist with a playful spirit and an old soul. She is captivated by the beauty of nature and her artwork is an ode to the grandeur of the natural world. Laura’s style is often described as bright, whimsical and full of joy. Her murals can be found all around B.C., having collaborated with cities, local businesses, and non-profit organizations for over a decade. Laura hopes to continually connect with humans and strengthen communities through painting and adding colour to the world.
Learn more about Laura’s work at LauraKwok.com.
Media contacts:
City of Coquitlam
Hilary Letwin
Culture Services Manager
604-927-6962
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca
United Way BC
Dara Hill
Senior Communications Specialist
Office: 236-427-1265 | Cell: 604-314-7844
darah@uwbc.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.