NEWS RELEASE
CITY OF GUELPH
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The City of Guelph invites professional artists to submit proposals to be selected for the 2016 City of Guelph Artist in Residence program.
Piloted in 2014, this cultural initiative seeks to engage the community in creative experiences and embeds artistic activity in a variety of public spaces.
With the aim of strengthening connections between people and the places they share, and drawing inspiration through playful discovery and imaginative exploration, the City’s 2016 Artist in Residence program will develop a project that explores the role of art in urban placemaking.
Placemaking is an urban design process that helps cities to achieve public spaces that are engaging, practical, and well designed.
“We are looking for projects that encourage the reimagination of Guelph’s downtown public spaces—from its small nooks and alleyways to its expansive spaces and unique streetscapes,” says Ella Pauls, the City’s manager of Cultural Affairs and Tourism.
She adds, “The Artist in Residence program is an exciting opportunity for established artists in our community, but is also open to artists working outside of our city.”
The total budget for the 2016 program is $7,500 and is inclusive of all components of the project.
Artists will be considered based on their previous body of work and experience, an assessment of their capacity to engage with the community, and their proven ability to deliver work of high artistic quality, on time and budget.
A selection panel, comprised of members of City staff and the City’s Public Art Advisory Committee, will review proposals based on the project goals and selection criteria.
This project is open to all art forms including visual, literary or performing arts; architecture and design; or media arts such as sound, video or photography.
Professional artists with a history of public presentation, exhibition and/or publishing are invited to apply by May 2.
Application information is posted on the City’s website at guelph.ca/airguelph.
About the City of Guelph Artist in Residence program
The City of Guelph Artist in Residence program is an initiative of the City’s department of Culture, Tourism and Community Investment, and is guided by the Council-appointed Public Art Advisory Committee.
As an integral part of the program, artists are asked to engage the public in creative experiences that contribute to the vitality of the community.
With the understanding that the process is as important as the product or outcome, artists are encouraged to associate community engagement with active participation in hands-on creative experiences or the collaborative creation of temporary works, and/or exploration and communication of broader community stories.
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