Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is proud to partner with Vancouver Pride Society, working together both creatively and administratively to animate the airport and show our support as a connection hub which welcomes all.
Travellers, visitors and workers will notice the installation of a bold, vibrant mural in the Canada Line walkway that spans from the YVR Airport platform to the terminal. The artwork was created and funded in partnership with Vancouver Pride Society and local artist, Lindsey McEwan.
The installation comes as Vancouver Pride Society prepares to hold its first in-person Pride festival in two years. The theme for this year’s Pride festival is #TogetherAgain, and so, it is only natural that YVR, a place of connection for people and communities, puts its support on display.
YVR’s partnership with Vancouver Pride Society came to fruition through the airport’s social impact program, YVR Cares, which directly aligns with Vancouver Pride Society’s purpose of empowering people, supporting communities, and creating a sustainable future.
“YVR is a welcome place for all,” said Richard Beed, VP, People & Brand at Vancouver Airport Authority. "We are proud to show our support for Vancouver Pride Society through this important partnership, which is a natural extension of our commitment to building a strong culture of diversity, inclusion and belonging for all travellers and those working for the Airport Authority and across the YVR community of employers.”
"Lindsey McEwan's mural at YVR celebrates the beauty and diversity of our queer community," says Vancouver Pride Society Executive Director (Interim) Lee Keple. "We are grateful to have such a strong reflection of #TogetherAgain represented at the airport so that 2SLGBTQAI+ visitors and allies from around the world feel welcome in our amazing city."
In addition to providing the space and installation costs of the mural, YVR has given Vancouver Pride Society a financial contribution, which will be used to support the festival kicking off July 20. The contribution also provides funding for the local artist behind the YVR mural, Lindsey McEwan.
“My aim was to include as many of the (over 32+) pride flags as possible. Each representing queer communities around the world, I placed them in a way that demonstrated how intertwined we are while keeping the integrity of each flag used,” said Lindsey McEwan. “The massive space and glass substrate allowed me to realize an archetype of stained-glass windows that honour and respect all queer communities together with pride. My name is Lindsey, I am a transgender, panromantic woman and I am thankful I was given the opportunity to do this.”
YVR thanks Vancouver Pride Society for producing inclusive, celebratory events, and advocating for 2SLGBTQAI+ communities through an intersectional lens. YVR is honoured to support Vancouver Pride Society’s efforts.