Public art is moving ahead to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday.
City council is directing $15,000 towards a public art project organized by the Downtown Vernon Association as part of RespectFest 2017.
“This project will be an ongoing legacy to commemorate Canada’s 150th Anniversary and will include a process for the public to get involved in the design,” said Tanya Laing Gahr, the city’s communications officer.
“The final location of the art piece will be determined this summer and it is expected to be installed during the Respectfest celebrations in September.”
Respectfest 2017 is a celebration of diversity focusing on four themes: respecting our land and environment; honouring our indigenous history and roots; understanding our multicultural history; and recognizing the strengths that diversity brings to our community.
The DVA is currently issuing a call for proposals from artists to create the participatory public art piece, which will be revealed Sept. 23.
Artists are required to demonstrate their connection to Vernon, outline their planned public engagement process with the community and create the art from materials suitable for outdoor, long-term display. The commission for the completed project is $30,000.
“This public art piece will be especially meaningful because of the collaborative way it is being created and because of its legacy of respect in acknowledging diversity, multiculturalism, and First Nation history predating Confederation,” said Lara Konkin, with the DVA.”
Proposals must be submitted to the DVA by 4 p.m. April 28. The request for proposal is available at respectfest2017.com.
