Anaïs Labrèque and Dominic Laporte, the duo behind DRIFT Mural Co., are making waves in the world of public art. Their Ottawa-based mural production company creates large-scale works that often blend traditional painting techniques with innovative mixed-media approaches, adorning walls in cities worldwide.
With a shared passion for community and creativity, DRIFT strives to create meaningful and impactful public art experiences. Their work often explores themes of nature and identity, inviting viewers to contemplate their place in the world.
Anaïs Labrèque and Dominic Laporte. Photo: Cory Conty.
In this interview, discover how they navigate the challenges of the public art world, their passion for collaboration, and their inspiring advice for aspiring artists.
Apt613: Congratulations on almost two years of DRIFT Mural Co.! How has DRIFT evolved, and what have been the biggest lessons and achievements?
Dom & Anaïs: Thank you! This journey has been incredible. We’ve learned many lessons along the way—most importantly, letting go of expectations. We apply to a staggering number of artist calls, knowing we won’t get them all (or any). Each project brings its challenges, whether it’s a lift breaking down, navigating a tough client relationship, or dealing with unpredictable weather. Through it all, we’ve learned to stay positive and keep pushing forward.
We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together, from tackling our biggest mural to date, Beyond the Current in Monroe, Michigan (302’ x 26’), to being selected for dream projects like the Phil Hartman Tribute project, after countless other rejections. Every milestone feels like a victory, whether it’s our first mural in Mexico (no better way to start than in a surf town) or the incredible travels and connections we’ve made along the way. We’re grateful to be able to do this—together, in amazing places, with wonderful people—and, somehow, we haven’t driven each other fully crazy yet!
How do you choose the location for your murals and involve the local community in your projects?
We don’t choose the location ourselves! While we’re constantly scoping out walls perfect for a mural, getting the necessary funding and approvals is an entirely different challenge. Most of the time, we’re either approached by a client or we find an artist call and apply. We’re open to working anywhere and everywhere, and we’re happy to “drift” wherever the work takes us.
Community involvement varies based on the project. We collaborate with a wide range of partners, including city representatives, BIAs, festivals, private clients, non-profits, and corporations. In many cases, community engagement happens before the artist call is even announced. Other times, we’re involved in social media outreach, or we work with a jury made up of key community members to ensure local voices are heard.
For example, in the Phil Hartman mural project, we collaborated with Calwyn Shurgold—a comedian, actor, rapper, and artist from the area—ensuring the mural reflected the spirit of the place and its people. In the next phase, we worked closely with city officials, BIA’s, family members of Phil Hartman, city councillors, business owners, and even a domestic violence advocate to refine the design. This collaborative approach ensured the mural honoured Phil Hartman’s legacy and the city of Brantford, his hometown.
Plant the Future mural in Hull, Que. Photo: Anaïs Labrèque.
How do you balance the demands of a busy schedule and travel while maintaining your creative energy? What strategies do you use to prevent burnout?
This job is demanding on every level and we’ve worked hard to find a balance. Our first summer on the road was a learning curve. We took on more projects (often with smaller budgets) and ended up putting our physical and mental health on the back burner. This past mural season, though, we made physical activity a priority and have found ways to stay active to feel good on the go.
When it comes to creative energy, Dom always has his sketchbook with him, and we spend a lot of time in nature. Plus, working alongside and meeting other muralists is endlessly inspiring—it keeps us motivated and excited for what’s next.
Are there any specific local artists or organizations you’ve collaborated with in Ottawa? How have these partnerships enriched your work?
Dom has collaborated with organizations like BIAs, the Ottawa Art Gallery, and also with talented local artists like Ryan Smeeton, Dan Metcalfe, Dan Martelock, Sarah Tompkins, Allen Andre, and Rey Martin. Mural work can sometimes feel isolating, so building and connecting with a community is essential. Collaborating with others makes the journey all the more rewarding.
How do you see Ottawa’s public art scene evolving? What are the unique challenges and opportunities for artists in this city?
Ottawa’s public art scene is constantly evolving, but some challenges need to be addressed. The lack of a dedicated mural committee and outdated bylaws often slow down projects. Although mural project funding exists in the city, it falls short of current industry standards.
Another challenge lies in Ottawa’s identity as the capital city. There’s a strong desire to incorporate historical or architectural elements into murals, which can limit creative expression. While we value our city’s rich heritage, we believe murals should bring fresh energy and create their own identity, rather than simply reflecting their surroundings.
What advice would you give aspiring artists who want to pursue a career in public art? What are the most important skills and qualities to develop?
Hone your craft and dedicate time to your work. The stronger your foundation, the more confident and versatile you’ll be in tackling diverse projects. Master the business side and recognize that public art isn’t just about creativity—it’s also about professionalism. Learn how to price your work, draft contracts, write compelling proposals, and manage the execution of projects effectively. Lastly, foster collaboration, be kind, share knowledge, and stay open to learning from others.
DRIFT Mural Co. duo Anaïs Labrèque and Dominic Laporte work on a mural. Photo: Pablo Becerril.
How do you envision the future of DRIFT Mural Co. as a partnership? Are there any specific goals or milestones you’re working towards?
Our priorities are to master our craft, evolve as artists, and push the boundaries of what we can achieve (and where we can go). Ultimately, we want to create meaningful work that we’re deeply proud of. We’re working on an award and grant program in collaboration with the Ottawa Arts Network to support young emerging artists, a mentorship program, and plans to launch a week-long residency in Mont-Tremblant.
Currently, we aim to expand our reach outside North America, establish a permanent residency program, create larger 3D public art installations, and launch an Ottawa International Mural Festival.
We feel lucky to do what we love and want to keep creating, learning, and sharing our work with the world.
Can you tell us about any exciting upcoming events or projects?
Dom will participate in the Holiday Art Battle for the first time in years, on Dec. 19th at Overflow Brewing, which is always a fun and energetic event.
In February, we’re heading to Mexico City for an artist residency and to revisit our first mural in Sayulita—a full-circle moment we’re looking forward to.
We’re also working on new art and upcoming projects. Winter is all about indoor murals, digital illustration work, painting commissions, personal artwork and proposal madness. Follow us on Instagram @driftmuralco to stay in the loop on what’s next!
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