The City of New Orleans unveils a new public art mural in partnership with Arts New Orleans and the Canadian government.
Canadian artist Chantelle Trainor-Matties designed the mural and local New Orleans artist JoLean Barkley recreated it at the corner of Ursulines Avenue and N. Peters Street.
The artwork depicts a theme and storylines designed to evoke Louisiana’s Acadian history, French language, music, food, and culture, as well as the shared history between Canada and New Orleans.
The Canadian government donated more than $10,000 toward the completion of the mural.
“Things just don't happen, you've got to make them happen. During the pandemic, we were relentless to have this project get off the ground,” said Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “I'm so excited because I knew from the start that the arts would be a great part of our recovery. We are at a time in our history where our future is absolutely bright, but it's going to be our partnerships and our international connections that help with that future.”
“Canada and Louisiana are intertwined through history, culture, the environment and our economies,” said Rachel McCormick, Consul General of Canada. “This mural, designed and produced through a bilateral effort, is a lasting demonstration of those connections, and our continued commitment to a strong relationship.”