The photo frame, installed in the mid 2010's at Maffeo Sutton Park, is probably the most beloved temporary public art display in recent years, but won't be making a comeback. (File photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

new designs

Calls out for new temporary public art installations in Nanaimo

Oct 9, 2023 | 6:00 AM

NANAIMO — Following in the footsteps of some iconic pieces, the City is once again looking for a refresh of its art displays across the region.

The Temporary Public Art Program run by the City of Nanaimo has opened its call for proposals period, encouraging local artists to come with their ideas and ambitions for new public art displays poised to be installed in the Old City Quarter and Colliery Dam Park next year.

Jaime-Brett Sine, City cultural services coordinator, told NanaimoNewsNOW they’re looking for the next generation of iconic art displays to add to a growing legacy of popular, well-loved pieces.

“The expectation is not that artists are coming to us with a final design…the initial stage is understanding the call and coming to us with a proposal and ideas, and then at that stage we’ll work with them in the development of what that piece will eventually come to be realized as in 2024.”

Past winning bids included the famous photo frame at Maffeo Sutton Park, which was removed in 2017 after weathering over its five year life span, as well as the Dungeness crab statue which was taken down in 2021 for similar reasons.

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By design the City is providing little in terms of theme of direction to artist submissions, so not to put a finger on the scale one way or another.

However, the request for proposals does encourage artists to consider the two chosen locations and suggest designs which may fit.

Sine said they’re keen to see “site-specific” designs which play to their surroundings.

“I do think there is something very powerful in considering the area that art is going, how that area is impacted or whether there are considerations for that area…there might be environmental themes which come to mind when you are putting art into a public art like Colliery Dam.”

Similarly, a piece in the Old City Quarter may want to be more interactive given the foot traffic passing by.

But containing photographable elements similar to the photo frame, or other interactive elements is by no means a requirement, according to Sine.

Initial applications will be reviewed by a panel, with interviews conducted as well. A second stage of the process involves public engagement.

Winning artists will receive $7,500 for their design and implementation of their piece, along with expenses up to $5,000.

Pieces must be designed and built to last a minimum of five years, ensuring a continual refresh of some key areas in the city.

“It’s exciting and fun for the community too to see new projects come in. While some projects were very beloved, we don’t even know what’s coming. We could have very, very beloved pieces to come and that’s part of the exciting part of the program as well.”

More information on the application process is available on the City’s website.

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alex.rawnsley@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @alexrawnsley