Dear Vernon Community Members,

We are reaching out to ask for your support in safeguarding the cultural heritage of our beloved city, Vernon, BC. At this critical time, it is essential that we unite to demand action that will ensure that our community’s cultural legacy and history are respected, preserved and maintained for future generations.

We are deeply concerned about three pressing issues that directly impact our city’s cultural assets:

·       the proposed removal of the Sveva Caetani mural on 32nd Avenue and 30th Street

·       the broader state of our public artworks and

·       the absence of an arts and culture policy and panel to protect them

We call on the City Council and the Downtown Vernon Association to be transparent, accountable, and proactive in protecting our cultural heritage. The future of our city's cultural landscape depends on addressing these urgent issues:

 
1) Clarification on the proposed removal of the Sveva Caetani Mural:
We demand a detailed explanation from City Council regarding the decision to remove this iconic mural. This artwork is not merely paint on a wall; it is a vital piece of our shared history and cultural identity.

The city’s in-camera sale of their property adjacent to the Sveva mural without public knowledge is concerning. This sale allows for unhindered development and will impact the vision for the cultural corridor from City Hall to the new Cultural Centre. It’s unacceptable that this mural be removed without community engagement and engaging the artist who owns the image, especially given the historical significance of Sveva Caetani’s work. Was anyone else given the opportunity to purchase the property? This lack of transparency is not in the public interest, and we demand accountability.

 
2) Maintenance of Murals and Public Artworks:
Many of our city’s murals have fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance. These artworks contribute to Vernon’s unique character, drive tourism, and enhance our city’s aesthetics. They deserve the proper care and maintenance, as promised when the mural project began.

We request full transparency regarding the Mural Maintenance Fund —how much has been allocated, how has it been spent, and why have so many murals been neglected?  If these murals are part of the Official Community Plan, why has there been no consistent effort to maintain them? Where has the funding gone, and why is there no public input in the management of these important assets? The City and the DVA need to honour their pledge.

 Mural Maintenance Fund Information​

 City Council Meeting Document - Sveva Caetani Mural Discussion

 
3) Develop a Comprehensive Arts & Culture Policy:
Vernon lacks an official policy for arts and culture, leaving critical decisions about murals to an outdated sign bylaw, which is outdated and refers to a Building Design Facade Committee that no longer exists.  This bylaw, designed for business advertising, does not appropriately address public art.

While City Council has placed an Arts & Culture Policy in their strategic plan, we have yet to see any action taken to develop such a policy. We call on the City to fast-track the development of a policy that would provide a structured, consistent approach to nurturing and preserving the cultural assets that define our city. It’s time to make this a priority.

Link to bylaw

 
4) Formation of an Independent Cultural Assets Protection Panel:
To ensure the long-term preservation of Vernon’s cultural heritage, we call for the establishment of an independent, arm’s-length Public Art and Culture Advisory Committee. This committee, composed of qualified community members—including experts in art, history, and community engagement—will oversee the management and preservation of Vernon’s cultural assets. This ensures transparency, expert guidance, and a commitment to the community’s best interests.  This is especially important for the murals, as they are civic monuments, and those with plaques have been granted heritage status.

These steps are essential to maintaining the vibrancy and integrity of Vernon’s unique cultural treasures. Every municipality has a responsibility to protect its cultural assets, and Vernon is no exception.

We ask the City of Vernon to acknowledge this petition by January 30th, 2025.

By signing, you are advocating for accountability, transparency, and a structured approach to preserving our cultural legacy and helping secure the socio-economic benefits of tourism for Vernon.

 Join Us: Stand With Sveva!

Help us reach 25,000 signatures to send a powerful message to City Council and the Downtown Vernon Association: Vernon’s cultural heritage must be protected. Together, we can ensure that our city’s unique artistic and historical legacy thrives for future generations.

Let’s work together to make a better, brighter, beautiful Vernon.

#StandwithSveva

Judy Rose and Dawn Tucker