Gauging Support For Public Art

By 250 News

One of the City’s public art displays - the statue of Bridget Moran at 3rd & Quebec

There’s a ’quiet revolution’ going on in our city, according to one of the coordinators involved in the "Transforming Public Art" project.

"In our community, we’re surrounded by really talented, amazing artists," and Trina Chivilo says, "There are a lot of business people and business owners buying and displaying that art."

She says, "I would say there’s this public art ’ethos’ now - this value that’s starting to really get into small businesses and it’s really neat and exciting."

Chivilo and Bas Rynsewyn are coordinating the "Transforming Public Art" project - a joint project between the Community Arts Council and the City of Prince George.  Thanks to Legacies Now funding, the three-part project involves:  the creation an inventory of existing public art in Prince George, a survey, and an upcoming open house.

Chivilo says the inventory will help to "respect the art we have, take care of it properly and, also, acknowledge the community group or individual that initiated the piece." 

As for the survey, Chivilo says, "We really want to understand what kind of public art people in Prince George and the regional district want to see more of and where."  She’s hopeful not just art enthusiasts, but residents with differing perspectives will take time to fill out the brief questionnaire before May 17th.  (It’s available at Artspace, the Two Rivers Art Gallery, by emailing publicart@studio2880.com, or by phoning Bas on his cel at 961-0615)

As for the open house, tentatively set for early June, Chivilo says it will be to discuss public art and that’s purposely vague, at this point.  "We want to get some artists in the room, we want to get some art enthusiasts into the room, and maybe even people who want to become patrons of public art."  She says it’s open to all and she’s hopeful it will further ignite this ’quiet revolution’ that’s brightening and adding depth to our city.

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