Random Acts of Fringe by Emily Chu
As part of the 2025 STEPS Public Art Residency and in partnership with Edmonton Fringe Festival, local artist Emily Chu was selected to complete an outdoor mural celebrating the 2025 festival.
Project at a glance
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Artists: Emily Chu
Documentarian: Marc J Chalifoux
Year: 2025
Services: Artist Capacity Building
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artist-in-residence
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public art mural
About Random Acts of Fringe by Emily Chu
To me, my mural (Random Acts of Fringe) is about creative energy — it’s a mosaic of expressions through storytelling, theatre, and art. It speaks to the risks artists take, and the power of diversity and representation. These individual “acts” come together to form a community of vibrant energy. Beyond art on a wall — this mural represents a place where stories and experiences meet. And like Fringe, it’s a fun and unforgettable experience! – Emily Chu
“This project worked well. I feel that it is because both myself, and the client, knew what was wanted/needed, and had a pretty clear vision of the project. STEPS was helpful in facilitating and drafting up agreements that supported both sides.”
“This mural exemplifies the spirit and community of Fringe — a celebration of bold creativity, risk-taking, and collaboration. It reflects the energy and imagination that both artists and audiences bring to this space each year. Rooted in the uniquely Edmonton experience of Fringe, it captures a sense of adventure, openness, and connection that can only be found here.”
About the Artist
Emily Chu
Emily Chu is a Chinese illustrator and visual artist based on Treaty 6 (Edmonton). Emily’s practice includes commercial illustration, murals, storytelling, sketching, and community-arts initiatives. Emily’s illustration and mural client list includes: Canada Council for the Arts, Alberta Craft Gallery and Shop, Loblaws, Reader’s Digest, to name a few.
Outside of creative work, Emily is also the founder and lead organizer of Edmonton Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Arts Festival: Together Chinatown Arts Festival, and storytelling map project: Chinatown Stories Map.
Emily is currently working on a graphic novel about her childhood immigration story to the Canadian prairies in the 90’s.
Funders
The 2025 STEPS Public Art Residency is made possible by support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.
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