“Buzz Around Downtown” Brings Art, Pollinators, and Discovery to Downtown Brandon

Downtown Brandon is about to get a little more colourful (and a lot more exciting!) with the launch  of Buzz Around Downtown, a new interactive public art project celebrating native bumblebees, public art, and the  businesses and organizations that make downtown unique. 

Made possible through funding from the Downtown Outdoor Art Grant, the project is a collaborative initiative  between the Bee City Brandon, Brandon Downtown BIZ, local artist Savannah Knopp, and 30 downtown businesses  and organizations that have each adopted a bee. The Downtown Outdoor Art Grant is facilitated by the Brandon  Downtown BIZ with funding from the City of Brandon, and additional support from the Brandon and Area  Community Foundation. 

Over the coming weeks, Knopp will paint 30 different species of Manitoba bumblebees on participating buildings  throughout downtown, creating a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt that encourages residents and visitors to explore the  city’s core while learning about the important role pollinators play in our environment. 

The project is expected to be completed in time for Pollinator Week which happens from June 22 to 28, 2026. 

The adventure begins at Princess Park, where a central information sign will introduce participants to the scavenger  hunt and provide directions for discovering each bee throughout downtown. Visitors will also be able to pick up an  educational brochure, developed in partnership with Dr. Jennifer Mateer of Brandon University, highlighting the  ecological significance of bees and how we can support them.  

The project also opens the door for future interactive elements, including the potential to incorporate geocaching and  other creative ways for the community to engage with the installation. 

“Buzz Around Downtown is a wonderful example of what can happen when local organizations, businesses, artists,  and community partners come together,” said Sherry Punak-Murphy, Chair of Bee City Brandon “Not only does this  project add vibrant public art to our downtown, but it also creates an engaging experience that encourages people to  explore local businesses while learning about the incredible diversity of Manitoba’s native pollinators.” 

Each of the participating businesses and organizations has adopted one of the bee species featured in the project,  helping bring the installation to life while demonstrating their commitment to creating a vibrant and welcoming  downtown. 

Buzz Around Downtown combines public art, environmental education, and community exploration into an  experience that is expected to become a unique attraction for residents, families, schools, and visitors alike. 

More information about the scavenger hunt, brochure, and official launch will be shared as the project nears  completion.