We’re honoured to celebrate the completion of Nothing For Us Without Us by artist Jenny Hawkinson — a powerful tribute to the Downtown Eastside.

Artist Statement:
“‘Nothing For Us Without Us’ is a mural that celebrates the collective spirit of the Downtown Eastside. It is an homage to the diverse collection of residents, frontline workers, activists and business owners who call this place home. The mural also invites those passing through the Hastings corridor to look beyond the neighborhood’s façade and recognize a resilient community founded in collective action, generosity and care.

In the mural, hands linked in solidarity arch over a silhouette of the Carnegie Centre, which is located in what is known as the heart of the city. The heart cannot exist without a body, just as a building is made to hold people. Carnegie is a vital social space that provides dignity, support and community among other things. As the cityscape inevitably changes, we must preserve and celebrate what makes this neighbourhood special. The future of our community depends on it.”

Sincere gratitude to Affordable Housing Societies for allowing the wall to become a beautiful canvas, and to the City of Vancouver’s mural program for the support!

Drop by 185 E Hastings to see this new addition to the Hastings Crossing streetscape — a reminder of resilience, solidarity, and the power of community.