The West End Business Improvement Zone outdoor gallery will soon include a mural to celebrate the historic story that lead to voting rights for women. The artwork, planned for this summer, will feature Nellie McClung and other Manitoba suffragists along with many significant elements. The location has not yet been determined but it will be featured on one of the guided mural tour routes. Several factors are considered in wall choice; availability, surface type, and visibility and various sites are being reviewed with the location finalized later this spring.
Winnipeg artist Mandy van Leeuwen has been chosen for the project. Mandy was one of the two artists who created the mural Legacy of Leadership, remembering Bill Norrie.
“We are so pleased that the West End BIZ will be creating a mural in recognition of the work of Nellie and so many others to mark this historic milestone of the vote for women that opened the door for equality. It’s exciting that we are included in the creative process” says Lila Goodspeed, Chair of the Nellie McLung Foundation.
“Our mural programming tells the stories of our history and culture. We are honored to remember and share this story which ultimately created positive change across Canada” says West End BIZ Executive Director. Gloria Cardwell-Hoeppner. “Mandy’s style is a great match for this project.”
The West End BIZ mural program is internationally recognized and award-winning. The International Downtown Association presented the West End BIZ with the “Award of Distinction” and WHERE Magazine named the West End murals and tours as one of Canada’s Top Ten Attractions. Three new murals are planned for this summer.
The West End Business Improvement Zone (West End BIZ) is a non-profit organization committed to working with area business and stakeholders to enhance and promote Winnipeg’s West End.