July 15 2024 –
Home + Away, a towering new sculpture commissioned by the City of Vancouver Public Art Program, is now open for all to enjoy at Empire Fields in Hastings Park.
Described as “a slice of architecture,” this playful 17-metre-high artwork in the form of stadium bleachers reflects the historic structures of Hastings Park, including the stands of Empire Stadium (1954-1993); the magnificent, scaffolded ski run that graced the site in the 1950s; and the locally famous 20th-century wooden roller coaster that is still a highlight of Playland.
In addition to being visually striking, this artwork is intended to be ascended, sat on and experienced. It offers exciting experiences of height and views and provides 16 rows of seating for up to 49 people making for a unique spectator experience when watching events at Empire Fields.
Home + Away was created by internationally celebrated Seattle artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo of Lead Pencil Studio External website, opens in new tab.
“We are so proud of the amazing changes happening at Hastings Park,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “From the new playground, sports fields, and running track to the upcoming PNE Amphitheatre, the park is buzzing with excitement! And now, we get to celebrate the unveiling of a remarkable public sculpture that captures the park’s rich history and is set to become an iconic local landmark.”
Bringing public art to Hastings Park was part of the Hastings Park/PNE Master Plan PDF file (5.8 MB), adopted by City Council in 2010 after extensive public consultation.
Artists Annie Han and Daniel Mihalyo participated in stakeholder consultations early in the process and proposed a unique structure that echoes the histories of the site and includes an element of play, as well as responds to a need for seating. The concept for the artwork was presented to the public at the opening of the playground and Empire Fields in 2015.
“It’s wonderful to see this piece realized within the context of such a well-used public space,” says Annie Han. “Home + Away was inspired directly by the site history of spectatorship, and we hope it will connect Hastings Park users to that history and the majestic views of the environment for many decades to come,” added Daniel Mihalyo.
Home + Away is one of more than 300 pieces of art from the City of Vancouver Public Art program that add vitality and uniqueness to neighbourhoods across Vancouver, helping to create a diverse, vibrant, world-class city.
Full details about the artwork are available on the City’s website at Vancouver.ca/homeandaway.
For more information on the City of Vancouver’s Public Art Program, read the City of Vancouver’s 10-year arts and culture strategy, CultureShift.
Explore public art in Vancouver at Vancouver.ca/publicart.