Residents of Sparwood will soon notice a new addition to utility poles in the community as Street Banners featuring local art are ready to be installed over the next couple of weeks. The Street Banner program was a priority of Council aimed at celebrating and featuring local art as part of community beautification. The program became a reality thanks to the grant funds provided by the Columbia Basin Trust. The $20,000 Public Art Grant allowed the District to purchase high quality, custom printed aluminum banners to showcase the work of local artists.
Art was gathered through two separate requests for submissions issued in 2020 and early 2021. Submissions were reviewed by the Street Banner Advisory Group, and select pieces were identified for inclusion in the Street Banner program. These banners are art pieces that will be hung in key locations throughout the community for residents and visitors to enjoy.
“Council is really pleased to see this project accomplished. Sparwood is known for its beauty and well-kept spaces, and the addition of street banners will certainly add appeal and character to our streets. It was important to Council that these banners stand the test of time, which is why we went outside the box from typical fabric mesh banners and opted for UV coated aluminum. We know these pieces of art are not just paint or pencil, but expressions of what the artists love most about the community and environment,” says Sparwood Mayor David Wilks. “We thank everyone who participated in this program and submitted art for consideration. It is clear we have a great deal of talent within our community and region.”
To view submissions, see selected pieces, and learn more about the artists, visit the District of Sparwood website at https://sparwood.ca/parks-recreation-culture/arts-culture-heritage/. Banners will be removed each winter to accommodate holiday decorations and put out again each spring.
Post Date: July 2, 2021 | Category: News & Updates Send Notification