This new ocean-themed colouring app helps support the Vancouver Aquarium

Local artists have joined forces with Vancouver-based art and design studio Tangible, the Vancouver Mural Festival, and Ocean Wise to create a new, ocean-themed colouring app with proceeds supporting the Vancouver Aquarium.

The new Aqua Colour app – a free download for iPhone and Android – is an interactive, digital colouring book for tablets and phones inspired by the Vancouver Aquarium.

Upon downloading the app, users get a free Stanley Park-themed colouring page from Vancouver artist Chairman Ting and the opportunity to download additional colouring page bundles from other artists.

“During this time of multiple challenges for our precious public arts and culture institutions like the Vancouver Aquarium – we are called to pull together and build our resilience,” said Adrian Sinclair, director of engagement at Vancouver Mural Festival.

“[The Vancouver Aquarium] plays a very important role in our city and we can’t imagine not having it around,” said Ting. “Being able to use my skill set to help raise funds for the Vancouver Aquarium is heartwarming and empowering.”

The Stanley Park facility reopened to the public on June 26 after being closed for more than three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While closed, the not-for-profit Vancouver Aquarium lost almost all revenue and yet was still faced with more than $1 million a month in animal care and facility costs.

And despite what it called “very successful” fundraising, emergency funding from the government, and numerous community partnerships, the Vancouver Aquarium’s financial need has not gone away, and the Vancouver Aquarium is still fighting for long-term survival.

Complicating the situation further is the fact that under the new COVID-19 guidelines, the aquarium can only operate at 20 to 30% of normal visitor capacity.

“Having raised two kids in Vancouver, I have spent countless happy moments at the aquarium” said Alex Beim, CEO and creative director of Tangible.

So when he heard that the Vancouver Aquarium was struggling to keep the doors open, Beim said it occurred to him that “we could create a colouring book application for ocean lovers to enjoy.”

At the same time, he added, “we could help by donating the proceeds to the Aquarium.”

• See also:
  • Vancouver Aquarium reopens its doors to visitors 
  • City of Vancouver officially bans the sale and use of bear bangers
  • Seal pup rescued after being spotted alone in water by BC Ferries staff

All colouring pages are ocean-themed and feature creatures, exhibits, and locations inspired by the Vancouver Aquarium, including sea otters, jellies, sea turtles, tropical fish, Stanley Park, and the BC Coast. Users are encouraged to share their artwork on social media using the #AquaColour hashtag.