As one local institution closes its call for artistic creations, another begins.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) call for outdoor art for its Chatham and Wallaceburg sites closed on June 7.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent has put out a request for artists to submit their creative ideas for a sculpture set to enhance the community.
Submissions are open until June 24, inviting artists to showcase their talent and vision for visual arts.
Mayor Darrin Canniff expressed enthusiasm for the initiative.
“Our community thrives on creativity and innovation. This call for artists is an opportunity for local and global talents to leave their mark on our community, enriching our public spaces for generations to come,” he said in a media release.
Submissions should include a detailed explanation of the sculpture’s concept, along with examples of previous work.
Lori Marshall, president and CEO of CKHA, said visual and audio art can help patients as they recover.
“The arts, and music, all have a healing component to them. Any time we can marry them with the hospital, it is good for our patients and family members,” she said.
Fannie Vavoulis, a communications specialist with CKHA, said the goal of their project is to enhance outdoor spaces at the Chatham and Wallaceburg hospital sites.
“We were calling for artists from all backgrounds to submit proposals. All mediums were welcome,” she said. “It could be sculptures, could be graffiti. Looking for artists from within Canada.”
The hospital will have a committee review submissions over the summer.
“There’s lots of talent locally and across the country,” Vavoulis said.
Timeline for the municipal effort is more aggressive.
Artists will collaborate with municipal staff, with the project slated to commence this summer.
The municipal program is a collaborative effort with funding from the Chatham-Kent Community Foundation.
Submissions on the municipal project can be made at www.letstalkchatham-kent.ca/public-art-call-for-artists
