HomePage / Your Government / News & Events / Calling all artists! City of Nanaimo seeking artists for Urban Design Roster

Calling all artists! City of Nanaimo seeking artists for Urban Design Roster

The City of Nanaimo announces call for the 2024-2026 Urban Design Roster

NEWS RELEASE - Distributed September 28, 2023 9:00 AM

Summary

The City of Nanaimo invites all emerging and established artists and designers from across British Columbia to submit portfolios to the 2024 – 2026 Urban Design Roster program.

This program was launched in 2021 and has enjoyed great success, offering artists and designers an opportunity to be involved in civic urban design and small-scale artwork related to City infrastructure.

An Urban Design Roster is a list of artists who wish to be contacted to work with the City's Public Art team and other City departments such as Traffic/Transportation, Engineering and Public Works. Projects are activated on an ongoing basis, in relation to opportunities arising from infrastructure renewals, upgrades and maintenance, and artists or designers from the Roster are selected by project leads based on the needs of the project.

This open call seeks the talents of artists and designers who may wish to tackle a particular design challenge, such as: urban space beautification like murals on civic buildings, surface treatments on civic infrastructure such as play areas such as splash pads, urban street objects -- traffic barriers or controlled crosswalks -- and design treatments for infrastructure elements such as manhole covers, as well as possible opportunities in active transportation, sanitation and anti-graffiti efforts.

The Urban Design Roster call is open to both established and emerging artists across British Columbia, including those interested in expanding their practices into the public realm for the first time.

Applications require a statement of interest, resume and a portfolio of previous work. Artist submissions will be reviewed by a selection panel comprised of City Staff and members of the Art in Public Spaces Working Group. Selected designers and artists will remain active on the roster for a period of two years.

The deadline to submit applications is Monday, Nov. 13 at 4 pm.

View application details and requirements on the City's website at: https://www.nanaimo.ca/parks-recreation-culture/public-art/urban-design-roster-program

Link to Strategic Plan: The Urban Design Roster Program aligns with the goals of the City of Nanaimo’s City Plan by facilitating opportunities for the public to encounter art and culture in public spaces throughout the city and as part of their daily experiences; by making art visible and accessible throughout the City, in Urban Centres, and Downtown; by promoting the role that culture and the creative sector play in the community with respect to community identity and quality of life.

Key Points

  • The City of Nanaimo invites all emerging and established artists and designers to submit portfolios to the 2024 – 2026 Urban Design Roster program.
  • An Urban Design Roster is a list of artists who wish to be contacted to work with the City's Public Art team and other City departments such as Traffic/Transportation, Engineering and Public Works.
  • The Urban Design Roster Call is open to both established and emerging artists across British Columbia.
  • The deadline to submit applications is Monday, Nov. 13 by 4 pm.

Quotes

"Our city’s Urban Design Roster has been an invaluable tool in the ongoing growth of our diverse and vibrant cultural community. We are so appreciative of the artists we’ve had participate in the Roster over the last two years, and we look to the future of the program – and intake of new and returning artists – with great excitement!"

Paul Manly
Acting Mayor / Councillor
City of Nanaimo

"The Urban Design Roster enlivens Nanaimo’s public spaces and fosters ongoing connection to art, culture and community. We know that through their work, the City’s new and continuing Roster participants will spark meaningful conversations and inspire others to create as well."

Adrienne Mercer Breen
Manager, Culture and Special Events
City of Nanaimo
-30-

Contact:

For media enquiries, please contact:
Communications
City of Nanaimo
250-754-4251

Print News Release

Is there anything wrong with this page?

Help us improve our website

Don't include private or financial information in this form.
Collection and use of your personal information

Information collected on this form is done so under the general authority of the Community Charter and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA), and is protected in accordance with FOIPPA. Questions about the collection of your personal information may be referred to the Legislative Services Department at 250-755-4405, or via email at foi@nanaimo.ca. Please also see our Privacy Policy.