New temporary public art selected

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed April 14, 2023 9:00 AM

Summary

On December 5, Nanaimo City Council approved the following two new pieces of public art as part of the 2023 Temporary Public Art Program.

"Compelling Agency" by David Martinello

David Martinello is a Vancouver Island based artist and his proposal, "Compelling Agency", draws attention to the connective value that humans have to wood as a resource. The artist’s intention with his artwork is to have the viewer thoughtfully evaluate their relationship to wood and, in turn, their relationship to their environment while they observe the natural weathering and evolution of this intriguing structural piece during its years on display.

"Moon Snail House" by Amber Morrison and Matthew Fox

Artist and educator, Amber Morrison, and 3D artist, Matthew Fox, based out of Nanaimo, will captivate passersby with the interactive artwork, "Moon Snail House". The design of the structure will invite admirers to explore this visually appealing, large-scale interactive sculpture. Educational signage will provide information about the Lewis’ moon snail (neverita lewisii) and the intertidal zones of the Salish Sea.

Once created and installed (locations to be determined), it is expected that these two new artworks will be on display for public enjoyment for up to five years.

Since 2010, the City of Nanaimo has been involved in a dynamic and evolving temporary public art program that enhances and animates our parks and public spaces. City parks and spaces are transformed into outdoor art galleries and showcase artworks for a limited period of time.

Link to Strategic Plan: Public art is a cultural contribution that fuels imagination, sparks curiosity and critical thinking and offers a unique reflection of place and people, contributing to character and a shared sense of identity.

Key Points

A total of 18 proposals were received from a variety of artists and teams in response to a call for artists issued by the City of Nanaimo's Culture and Events team. "Compelling Agency" by David Martinello and "Moon Snail House" by Amber Morrison and Matthew Fox were selected and approved for display.
The Temporary Public Art Program transforms City parks and spaces into outdoor art galleries showcasing local artworks for a limited period of time.

Quotes

"During the REIMAGINE Nanaimo process residents voiced their support for these types of programs, commenting that public spaces are enriched by art, and I couldn't agree more. This program enhances our community and it is accessible and freely available to everyone to experience and enjoy."

Leonard Krog

Mayor

City of Nanaimo

Quick Facts

Selected artwork is installed on a temporary basis for the enjoyment of residents and visitors at various locations throughout the City of Nanaimo.
Each year the City of Nanaimo does a call for submissions for the Temporary Public Art Program. Artists can propose artworks that vary in scale, scope and medium, including temporary sculptural installations, social practice and community engaged artist projects and artwork that is integrated into landscape, architecture or civic infrastructure.

Links

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Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact

Communications

City of Nanaimo

250-754-4251

media.requests@nanaimo.ca

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