Site B Mural

Mara Cortez is a Filipino-Canadian artist who believes in the power of art to heal, bring people together and tell stories that matter. Based in Vancouver, BC, Mar is a muralist, cultural worker, and community leader who creates vibrant, meaningful public art that reflects the heart of the communities she works with.

Since starting her journey in 2022, Mar has transformed walls, stairwells, plazas, and even picnic tables into colorful, welcoming spaces. From the ground mural at South Vancouver Family Place to the Rainbow Stairs at John Oliver Secondary, her projects don’t just beautify neighborhoods-they spark connection, pride, and conversation. She especially loves working with youth and new migrants, offering creative opportunities to express their voices and share their stories.

Mar’s work is a blend of personal passion and cultural roots. She hosts regular Baybayin workshops, teaching the pre-colonial Filipino script, and mentors emerging artists to explore their heritage through public art. Her murals often combine bold colors and storytelling elements, celebrating the diversity and shared identity of the communities she serves.

Her art isn’t just for the streets-it’s also been showcased in galleries like Capulet Art Gallery and at events like the Indioz Bravoz Travelling Exhibition. Beyond public art, Mar has collaborated with brands like Herschel, Arc'teryx, Kasama Chocolate, Modo Car Co-op and Tanduay Rum bringing her distinct style to products, activations, and designs.

Mar’s work has been featured on OMNI News, the Georgia Straight, and ABS-CBN. She’s also earned recognition with two first-place wins in the Battle of the Brush competition by Golden Brush Events.

At the core of everything Mar does is a deep love for community and storytelling. Whether she’s mentoring young artists, hosting Baybayin workshops, or leading mural projects, Mar’s goal is always the same: to create art that brings people together and leaves a lasting impact.

For more about Mar’s work, visit linktr.ee/marawrs.

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As a muralist, cultural worker, and community art instructor, I see art as a bridge: a way to connect people, share stories, and celebrate the diverse cultures that shape our world. My work is rooted in collaboration and guided by the belief that creativity is a powerful tool for cultivating understanding, belonging, healing, and pride.

In addition to my mural/studio practice, I facilitate workshops and conduct research on Baybayin, one of the precolonial writing systems of the Philippines. This work has become a personal and collective act of cultural reclamation. As a diasporic Filipino, reconnecting with Baybayin and studying precolonial Filipino identity has helped me find deeper clarity and confidence in who I am—and who we’ve always been beyond colonial and diasporic narratives.

What started as a personal journey has grown into a community-rooted practice. I’m continually moved by the curiosity, enthusiasm, and deep longing for connection that surfaces in each workshop. Without community interest and support, this work wouldn't be possible. Together, we explore the intersections of language, memory, and heritage: reviving what was nearly erased and reimagining its place in our lives today.

Whether it’s a public mural, a ground painting, or a Baybayin workshop, I aim to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued. My process is deeply participatory: I engage with community members to understand their stories, struggles, and dreams, weaving their voices into the designs I create. I work with bold colors and dynamic compositions that blend narrative storytelling with symbols of cultural resilience and shared identity.

At its core, my practice is about transformation: of space, of memory, and of how we see ourselves in the world. I strive to leave behind not just vibrant works of art, but moments of reconnection, empowerment, and joy.

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