07/27/2025
A Call to Action: Call for an independent audit & full transparency regarding our cultural assets.
In the Public Interest.
The Vernon Mural Project and Wayfinder art mural trail is more than just public art—it is a heritage mural project that embodies the history, culture, and identity of Vernon’s diverse community. This award-winning trail was innovatively designed and brought to life by Michelle Loughery, the original artist, principal designer, and project manager.
Michelle’s vision and leadership have connected generations through storytelling, fostered youth employment, and enhanced Vernon’s cultural tourism, making the mural trail a vital community asset.
Removing Michelle Loughery from this project is not just silencing an artist—it is erasing a foundational part of our community’s heritage and shared identity. To remove her involvement is to remove a piece of all of us.
I call on municipal leaders and stakeholders to honor Michelle’s intellectual property and legacy by ensuring her rightful role in the management and preservation of these heritage murals.
I also demand a transparent, independent audit of all funding and management related to the mural trail, to protect public trust and safeguard our cultural treasures for future generations.
Why an audit you ask?
It is important that the public and community members ask for an independent audit of all funding related to the mural project, including municipal contributions, grants, and other public funds.
An independent audit will help:
• Confirm that all funds have been used responsibly and effectively.
• Provide clear information on how the murals and cultural assets are being maintained and supported.
• Ensure that the original artist’s contributions are properly recognized and respected.
• Build trust and accountability between community members, artists, and local authorities.
Why Should Our Community Care About the Vernon Mural Project Audit?
The Vernon Mural Project was built with significant public funding and community effort, reflecting our shared history, culture, and pride.
Because public money and resources have contributed to this project, it’s essential that:
• All funding is managed transparently and responsibly.
• The murals and their benefits stay within our Vernon community rather than being diverted or duplicated elsewhere without proper recognition or benefit to us.
• The original artist and the community are fully involved in decisions affecting the murals.
Transparency ensures that every dollar supports our local economy, youth, and cultural heritage—helping Vernon thrive today and tomorrow.
By caring about this audit, the community helps protect a valuable cultural legacy that belongs to all of us.
An audit is directly linked to our need for an Art Policy for Vernon and an Independent Cultural Asset Managment Committee.
I invite all members of the Vernon community to support this call for transparency and accountability, to protect the murals that belong to all of us and to secure their place in our city’s future. Together, through open dialogue and responsible stewardship, we can celebrate and preserve the Vernon Mural Project for generations to come.
Please like and share this post & call on our elected officials to move forward with an independent audit, an art policy & an independent cultural asset management committee. Thank you in advance
https://www.vernon.ca/government-services/mayor-council .tab=0
https://harwindersandhu.ca
