L'Original for cities and villages in Québec

Transform your walls into destinations: mural art that revitalizes your downtown and creates civic pride

L'Original supports Québec municipalities in creating mural frescoes, public artworks and artistic projects that transform commercial arteries, public buildings and neglected spaces into cultural destinations.

25+completed projects

2galleries in Montréal

10years of mural expertise

CommittedQuébec non-profit

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They trust us

HEC MontréalMusée du Grand QuaiFestival MURALLa PresseMAD FestivalArtsy International

The empty downtown: what mural art can do where regulation and subsidies fall short

The investment paradox

Sidewalks are renovated, benches are installed, parking is financed — and yet the passerby still has no emotional reason to stop. Infrastructure is invisible to the visitor, but a fresco imprints itself in their memory.

Missed virality

Your city does extraordinary things, but nobody talks about it beyond your MRC. A mural photographed by 50 visitors per day generates organic content on Instagram and TikTok — free advertising 365 days a year.

The missing pride

Young people leave. Citizens don't see themselves reflected in their commercial artery. An artwork that tells the local story creates a lasting sense of belonging, far more effectively than signage or a city logo.

Benefits

What each mural brings concretely

Tourist attractiveness

A signature mural becomes a geolocated point of interest on Google Maps, Tripadvisor and Instagram. Visitors detour to see it. Adjacent businesses benefit directly.

Urban revitalization

A grey or vandalized wall on your main artery is a negative signal. A custom fresco sends the opposite message: this city invests in its identity.

Free territorial marketing

Every citizen and visitor who photographs themselves in front of the fresco becomes an ambassador. This organic content reaches audiences that your institutional communications never touch.

Creating a tourist circuit

A series of murals creates a 'Mural Trail' that generates a discovery circuit. Visitors spend more time and spend more in local businesses.

Impact by space

Each space has its lever

Space	Impact
Commercial arteries	Passersby slow down and enter adjacent businesses. Increased attractiveness of the area.
Public buildings	Civic pride and identity visual landmark. The building becomes a photographed icon.
Neglected spaces	Transformation of problem areas (vandalism, perceived insecurity) into cultural points of interest.
Tourist routes	Creation of a 'Mural Trail' — visitors spend more time and spend more.

Bring original art into your workplace

A 15-minute walkthrough — no quote obligation.

WHAT THE CALL COVERS

A read of your office space, walls and budget range
Artist matches from our Montréal roster, with example work
How lead time and install work — catalogue piece or commission

15 min

With an art advisor

Free, no commitment

Financing

Reduce your net cost to 30–50% thanks to available levers

CALQ — Public art

The Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec offers programs supporting creation in public contexts. The presence of a professional artist strengthens the application.

1% for art program

The Québec government requires that 1% of the renovation cost of a public building be dedicated to the integration of artworks.

Municipal cultural funds

Cities with a cultural policy often have a dedicated envelope for artistic projects in public space.

Sharing with merchants

A 50/50 sharing model (municipality / commercial association) is common and well-established.

This is not a discretionary expense — it's an investment in cultural infrastructure. CALQ, the 1% rule and private partnerships often allow the municipal cost to be cut in half. L'Original can support your city in preparing grant application files.

Process

From vision to inauguration

The vision (diagnosis)

Consultation with stakeholders (elected officials, director general, cultural director). Audit of priority spaces. Presentation of 3 to 5 artists whose style matches the territory's DNA. No commitment at this stage.

The design (co-creation)

The selected artist develops sketches integrating the history, symbols or values of the territory. Validation by the municipal council or relevant committee. Final mockup submitted before any execution.

Execution & inauguration

Professional execution with surface protection, respect for climate constraints and pedestrian safety. Option: public inauguration with the artist for media coverage and social media posts.

Proofs of concept

This model has already proven itself

The MURAL festival has demonstrated for 10 years that urban art generates tourism, pride and international recognition. This model is accessible to your city.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Ready to transform your space?

Let's discuss your project. No commitment at the first meeting.

Contact Us

Have a question? Feel free to send us a message

Corporate art by city