The City of Nanaimo is currently looking for artist proposals for a temporary outdoor art initiative that is starting next year in 2020. The selected art will be put up for public display at various parks and local spots around town.
The program is part of the Mayor and City Council’s 2019-2022 Strategic Plan. The Plan, which is outlined here on the City of Nanaimo’s website, has the vision “to be a community that is livable, environmentally sustainable and full of opportunity for all generations and walks of life.” Building off this, the plan is then organized into four main themes: Environmental Responsibility, Governance Excellence, Livability and Economic Health. According to the City’s news release, the “installation of temporary public art furthers the goals of ‘Livability’ in the City’s Corporate Strategic Plan by continuing to support the downtown core as an Arts District.”
“Public art not only has the ability to enrich our community and its environment, but also to ignite imagination, encourage thought and promote discussion in those who view it,” says Mayor Leonard Krog.
Nanaimo has been diligently striving to enhance and evolve its public art program since 2010. Since then, artwork has been put up temporarily in parks and public places for the enjoyment of all who pass by. The City has a great Public Art Inventory on their website that also showcases this creative work.
The deadline to submit your proposal(s) is next month on Monday, October 21 at 3:00 pm. All artists are invited to submit their proposals through the “CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR TEMPORARY OUTDOOR ART NO. 2474,” available on the City’s website at www.nanaimo.ca/bid-opportunities.
The call is open to all artists who live in Canada. Participants do not have to be a professional artist to submit a proposal.
“With the enormous success in past years, we encourage all artists to submit their art proposals in an effort to continue creating dynamic and engaging outdoor spaces in Nanaimo,” says Chris Barfoot, Culture & Heritage Coordinator for the City of Nanaimo.
You can send any inquiries to him at chris.barfoot@nanaimo.ca or to cultureandheritage@nanaimo.ca.
