Downtown Vancouver alley to be transformed into public art walk

Another downtown Vancouver alley is about to get a facelift.

The Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association (DVBIA) is planning to transform the two-block section of Eihu Lane between Burrardand Butestreets into a public art walk called Canvas Corridor.

The association is teaming up with the Simon Fraser University School for the Contemporary Arts and has put out the call to students past and present who wish to showcase their work along the corridor.

The plan is to coverapproximately 50 doors alongEihu Lane with artwork by the end of the summer, makingthe alley feel safer and more inviting.

Changing perceptions

Canvas Corridor is the third laneway improvement project the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association has tackled.

The association's previousprojects include beautifyingAlley Oopsouth ofWest Hastings Street, between Granville and Seymour streets, and Ackery's Alley, next to the Orpheum Theatre.

Charles Gauthier, president of the DVBIA, said the beautification projects help make laneways safer, which is one of the many responsibilities of the association.

Gauthier said it was primarily men who walked through Alley Oop and Ackery's Alley before they were transformed. Since then, he said more women are passing through.

"Women are feeling more safe and comfortable going into the laneways... so it's changing people's perceptions," said Gauthier.

He saidpeoplecome to the laneways to take pictures for social media, to play basketball and, at one point, even to attend a Just For Laughs comedy event.

Gauthierhopes the association transforms more lanewaysand says in the long-term the alleyscould belocations for future businesses.

Interested SFU artists can submit their artwork until May 27. Installation is expected in July and August.