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City of Nanaimo Celebrates Public Art Week, May 14-18

Eleven new pieces of temporary art to be installed in City parks & public spaces

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed May 9, 2018 9:30 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo is celebrating Public Art Week from May 14-18, 2018. Eleven new pieces of temporary art were approved for 2018 and will be installed in City parks and public spaces in anticipation of Public Art Week. Over the course of the week, residents are encouraged to explore and celebrate the collection of public art found throughout Nanaimo.

Join us on Thursday, May 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Spirit Square in Maffeo Sutton Park to meet some of the participating artists.

The following artworks will be installed:

  • ROCK DRAGON by Heather Wall
  • EVERYTHING HAPPENS SO MUCH by Ben Sopow
  • THE JESTER by Marc Walter (installed)
  • BIG BIRD by Ronald Simmer (installed)
  • TAKING FLIGHT by Angellos Glaros (installed)
  • OWL UNDER THE OAKS by Scott Gillies (installed)
  • FOREST CLOAK by Maggie Wouterloot
  • DRIFTWOOD NESTS by Deryk & Samuel Houston (installed)
  • THE HUNTER by Sheldon Murphy
  • GIANT PACIFIC OCTOPUS by Laura & Michael Timmermans
  • WINDOWS TO NANAIMO by Jessica Kang

Public art is created by artists for public sites. It increases sense of place for individual neighbourhoods and the city as a whole. Some art pieces are permanent (such as "Pacific Sails" on the Harbourfront Walkway), and others are temporary. Public art energizes public spaces, promotes thinking and debate, and transforms the places we live, work and play into a more welcoming and beautiful setting.

How will you celebrate Public Art Week?

Link to Strategic Plan: Public Art Week furthers the goals of the Cultural Vitality (Creativity, Diversity, Heritage and Innovation) pillar of the City’s Strategic Plan by promoting ongoing investment in public art.

Key Points

  • The City of Nanaimo will celebrate Public Art Week from May 14-18, 2018. Join us on Thursday, May 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Spirit Square in Maffeo Sutton Park to meet some of the participating artists.
  • Eleven new pieces of temporary art were approved for 2018, and will be installed in City parks and public spaces in anticipation of Public Art Week.
  • Residents are encouraged to explore and celebrate the collection of public art found throughout our City.

Quotes

"A successful public art program helps communities develop a sense of pride and ownership in public places and neighbourhoods."

Bill McKay
Mayor
City of Nanaimo

"These artworks animate City parks and the public realm on a short-term basis. Public art enriches the community and not only stimulates a response in the viewer, but has the potential to be a catalyst for community dialogue."

Chris Barfoot
Culture & Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

Chris Barfoot
Culture & Heritage Coordinator
City of Nanaimo
250-755-7522
Main Office
Culture & Heritage Department
City of Nanaimo
250-755-4483

Print News Release

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