Photo: Kamloops Matters

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Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters Photo: Kamloops Matters

 

With more than 20 dumpsters painted, Kamloops' parking lots and back alleys are looking a little brighter.

After a pilot project this summer, the city gave the green light to dumpsters getting painted, with local artists and students participating in the project.

The goal of the initiative is to build community (a number of at-risk youth helped with painting), and to curb graffiti by beautifying the boxes.

Now, a couple of months later, more than 20 colourful garbage bins are brightening the city.

Money for the project came from a few different sources. A $2,500 social development grant was put toward eight bins; the North Shore Business Improvement Association put in $1,800, which covered six bins; the solid waste department funded two for $600, and five bins were painted pro bono.

The bins feature a wide variety of subject matter, from First Nations-inspired designs, to graffiti-style pieces, to pop culture references.