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The Viola Desmond Legacy

An Interactive Art Installation

The Viola Desmond Legacy Art Installation combines physical art with digital technology; it creates a unique, innovative, immersive and interactive experience. This experience aims to tell the story of Viola Desmond in a fun and modern way that will preserve her legacy for generations to come.

The Art Installation is located at the Velo at 2260 Gottingen Street, in Halifax's North End. Visitors can sit in the barbers chair and interact with Viola herself using any smartphone.

Unable to visit the Art Installation? Interact with Viola at home using any smartphone, just stand in front of a mirror, and tap the button below.

The Viola Desmond Legacy Committee

The Viola Desmond Legacy Committee was established in 2018 in order to see the late Viola Desmond recognized in the city where her actions in business and civil rights have a lasting impact. The committee is made up of Sylvia Parris-Drumond (Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute), Bernadette Hamilton-Reid (African Nova Scotian Decade for People of African Descent Coalition), Tara Taylor (The Braiding Lounge Salon), Ross Cantwell (The Velo), Lindell Smith (Councillor District 8) and Tracy Jackson (North End Business Association).

Community Consultation

On December 6th, 2021, a community conversation was held on the legacy art project to commemorate the impact of Viola Desmond’s activism and business contributions. Notable conversation that was generated throughout the community consultation includes honouring her legacy in a way that reverberates her story through the community, and creating a monument that exhibits elements of Viola's strength, bravery, freedom, dignity, and independence.
 

A public community survey was also launched to generate valuable feedback on what community members know about Viola and how best to commemorate the impact of Viola Desmond’s activism and business contributions. 

Viola Desmond Project_Community Consultation_4_edited.jpg

The Artists

Marven Nelligan (Marvelous Design) was awarded the commission to create the lasting commemorative art piece that honours the late Viola Desmond on Gottingen Street in the North End of Halifax. Nelligan is a multi-talented artist originally from North Preston, and raised in Uniacke Square in the North End of Halifax.

Credits:

Written and Directed by
Marven Nelligan

Assistant Director - Brittney Alford

Filming Consultant - Sobaz Benjamin

Casting

Accomplice Content Supply Co.

Cinematography

North Window Productions
Marvelous Productions

 

Makeup

Tima's Moblie Makeup Services

Hair Styling

Unity Wigs and Hair

Wardrobe
Vivian Moderna

Artwork Installation
Mattatall Signs

Viola's Chair
Projectworks Artistry 3312760 Nova Scotia Ltd
Fabricator - Todd Vassallo

Sign Design & Installation

Carmahn M. Art

Tara Taylor

Eyecandy Signs Inc.

Interactive Media
GLYPiX
Marvelous Design

The Unveiling

The Location

The Viola Desmond Legacy Art Installation  is located at the Velo at

2260 Gottingen Street, in Halifax's North End.

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