Three community partners have teamed up to put out a call for creative individuals interested in designing practical public art in the form of bike racks.
Chatham-Kent Public Libraries, ARTspace and CK Public Health have developed what will be known as the CK Public Art Project and is accepting designs to be reviewed by a panel of local stakeholders from the art/culture and cycling communities.
Winning artists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, in addition to having their design fabricated and installed at one of six possible locations, including five Chatham-Kent Public Library branch locations and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Civic Centre.
The purpose of the Public Art Project is multi-faceted.
“Not only is this an opportunity to showcase the talent of local artists,” CK Public Health Director Teresa Bendo said in a release. “It also has the opportunity to enhance Chatham-Kent’s image, both as a cultural destination, as well as a bicycle friendly community that regards bikes as a permanent and important part of our transportation system.”
The deadline for submissions is May 1 at 4 p.m. After the deadline, all submissions will be available for public viewing, and the panel will begin the selection process.
Up to six submissions could be chosen and the winning artists will be announced on June 3, World Bicycle Day.
The competition is open to all visual artists, designers or community members with a creative flair and an eye for putting the “fun in functionality.” Submissions from students, new residents, seniors and youth are encouraged.
Although entries will be accepted from all locations, special consideration will be given to submissions from Chatham-Kent residents.
Additional information, including a full list of design criteria and the official application form can be found at www.letstalkchatham-kent.com/CKPublicArtProject.
A limited number of hard copy application forms can be made available at municipal centres across Chatham-Kent.
Where possible, interested applications are encouraged to follow the projects’ lead and help reduce waste by completing the application online.
“The project itself promotes cleaner air and healthier lifestyles,” states Bendo. “By making it fun, but also functional, we are hoping that it will encourage residents to choose active transportation options whenever possible.”
Those with further questions regarding the project can contact CK Public Health directly at 519-352-7270 or by e-mail at PublicArtProject@chatham-kent.ca
