The Antigonish Public Art Commission
Antigonish Culture Alive (ACA) has been partnering with the Town of Antigonish since 2022 to create public art through commissioning a mural annually. This program is an investment in the community, elevating Antigonish and its growth as a cultural hub within Northeastern Mi’kma’ki. Artists are chosen by a jury of local artists, ACA board members, town staff, and a variety of community members and partners.
To find out more about our 2026 Public Art Commission or submit a proposal, learn more here.
__________________________________________________
2025 Qi Cai
9 Main Street, Antigonish
Commemorating the centennial anniversary of the Antigonish Electric Utility company, this mural by Qi Cai honours 100 years of service shaping the town’s homes, businesses, and daily life. The artwork looks toward the future while celebrating the built values that define and built the community today. Cai’s vision is for Antigonish to continue growing while staying vibrant, environmentally conscious, and connected to the nature and the people who call it home.
__________________________________________________
2024 Molly Margaret and Marissa Bialowasa
Scotia Bank Mini-Pitch, 104 Appleseed Drive
Created in partnership with ACA, the Municipality of the County of Antigonish, and Scotiabank, this mural celebrates the Scotiabank Mini-Pitch as a welcoming space where people of all ages can play. The project reflects a shared commitment to enhance quality of life by supporting local artists, and creating accessible recreational opportunities for children, youth, newcomers, gatherings, and families. The mural serves to promotes community pride while encouraging active, healthy, and connected living.
__________________________________________________
2023 Noella Murphy
The Arts House, 145 Church Street
The Queen Mary mural was created to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Arts Health Antigonish (AHA!) and celebrate the powerful connection between art, health, nature and community in Antigonish. Inspired by AHA!’s decade of arts-based health event programming, the mural shows how creative human expression fosters healing, strengthens social connections, and improve well-being for people of all ages.
__________________________________________________
2022 Grace Lane Smith
The Town House Restaurant, 76 College Street
Grace Lane-Smith’s mural celebrates the unique beauty and character of rural Antigonish. Inspired by the region’s coastline, the work explores themes of rural homeland, local history, ecology, and the relationship between traditional craft and contemporary art. With a vibrant seascape, the mural expresses gratitude for the place we call home while offering an optimistic vision of Antigonish’s future and the enduring connection between its people, landscape, and culture.
__________________________________________________
2020 Michael Burt, Daniel Burt, and Donny Fraser (Trackside Studios)
5 Cents to 1 Dollar Store, 245 Main Street
__________________________________________________
Antigonish Culture Alive (ACA) has been partnering with the Town of Antigonish since 2022 to decorate Antigonish with the Public Arts Program. Before then, the Town of Antigonish was still partnering with local organisations and artist to bring the town to life.