Forty Squamish residents will learn to weld, carve, and laser-cut their way to the main stage — then watch their creations draw crowds at BC’s biggest summer festivals.
In a press release, Create Makerspace announced the return of Create Public Art 2026, a three-month program where locals with no fabrication experience build large-scale art installations for real BC festivals, including BassCoast, the Squamish Arts Festival, and Crankworx.
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This year’s projects include an orca sculpture built from a decommissioned car and a fully constructed art car. According to the press release, six projects are planned in total, with participants working across woodworking, metalwork, textiles, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
The program is backed by a Squamish Arts community grant. Organizers are also pursuing a Canada Council grant alongside Squamish Arts to fund the larger installations.
According to the press release, anyone interested can attend a free Info Night this Friday, March 13, from 7–10 p.m. at Create Makerspace, #1-39449 Queens Way. The evening includes food, drinks, music, past project displays, facility tours, and team formation for this year’s six projects. Free tickets are available at festivalworlds.com.
