Kelowna artists could be showcased at the 2026 Memorial Cup

Published 2:30 pm Monday, March 2, 2026

Local artists will now have a chance to participate in Canada’s biggest stage in junior hockey and showcase their artwork in downtown Kelowna, if selected.

​The City of Kelowna announced that applications for art installations in light of the Memorial Cup opened Monday, March 1.

Selected artists will create hockey-themed art installations that are designed to captivate residents and visitors while increasing engagement. The installations will be placed in high-traffic areas throughout downtown Kelowna.

The artists will also be given $2,000 each to support their work, in addition to exposure and recognition during the Memorial Cup event.

“Art plays an important role in how people experience major events in our city,” said Sara Thirnbeck, community development coordinator, cultural services. “These installations will celebrate both sport and local artists, creating memorable moments that connect people to the Memorial Cup and to Kelowna.”

This is the second time the Major Events Artists grant program is highlighting local artists and helping raise awareness around major events in Kelowna through creative projects.

Arianne Tubman, one of the artists who received a grant for the Canadian Country Music Awards last fall for her piece Campfire Stories, said, “Through the support from the city, I was able to expand my wheelhouse as an artist, learn new skills, and prove to myself that I am capable of taking on larger, more ambitious art projects.”

​For more information about the Call for Artists and application details, visit kelowna.ca/majoreventsartistgrant.