Vancouver spider sculpture to come down

The City of Vancouver is planning to take down a piece of guerilla art that popped up under a bridge at Victoria Drive and East Broadway earlier this month. Angela Bower speaks to Vancouverites who love the giant spider – and some who hate it.

By Angela Bower and Robyn Crawford and Hana Mae Nassar

Posted March 24, 2023 4:22 pm.

Last Updated March 24, 2023 7:48 pm.

A giant sculpture of a spider in East Vancouver that gave many the creepy crawlies may soon be removed.

The sculpture, created by Montreal artist Junko Playtime, popped up earlier this month under a bridge in the area of Broadway and Victoria Drive.

In a statement to CityNews, the city says it was “made aware of the unsanctioned spider artwork … last week.”

A giant spider sculpture under an East Vancouver bridge will soon be coming down. The city tells CityNews it’s figuring out the best way to remove the piece, which it says was put up without permission, without damaging the overpass. (CityNews Image)

“This space is managed by multiple partners; it serves as a corridor for SkyTrain and CN/BNSF Rail. The installation of this artwork was not done in consultation with the City of Vancouver or the rail corridor partners,” the statement reads.

“The city has been working with its partners to discuss the best path forward for the removal, to ensure there is no damage to the bridge structure, and that the removal is done safely with minimal service level impacts to the adjacent rail lines. The removal of the unsanctioned artwork will follow the city’s impoundment process and the owner will have the ability to claim the piece via that process.”

Others feel the piece shares an important message, given it’s created with scrap metal.

“I think overall it’s a very good way to convey how destructive the way that we treat the earth is, and garbage is something that usually stays for quite some time. I think this could be a statement that makes people think,” June, who admittedly doesn’t like spiders, said.

“It’s a way to talk to people and get the conversation going in a way that is accessible to other people, I think.”

While work is underway to best determine how to get rid of the arachnid, some say they’d like to see the eight-legged creature stay put.

“If it’s not hurting anything I think they could leave it right up there and we’d certainly enjoy it,” said Mark Bransko, who lives nearby.

“I love it, I think it’s great. I think Vancouver needs more amazing artists and more public displays of amazing art. It’s just more of the things I love about this city,” added Fostine DeRosiee, who was walking by the spider Friday.

The City of Vancouver says while it “recognizes the value that that public art brings to our communities and neighbourhoods,” there are processes that need to be followed.

“The city … appreciates interest from artists who wish to contribute to the public landscape of Vancouver, and we are committed to exploring ways to streamline the process for artists and sponsors,” the statement explains.

“Currently, for public art projects, the Civic Public Art Program provides a budget, while private development projects require developers to contribute to a public art process approved by the City. City Engineering is involved for temporary projects to ensure safety standards are met.”

The city says proposals can be submitted to the manager of the Public Art Program.

Junko Playtime posted images of the sculpture in its new habitat on March 15. The caption of the post includes the words “phobia” along with “time to face our fears.”