Celebrate Hamilton’s newest public artwork “Music City Markers” at the October Art Crawl

HAMILTON, ON - October 5, 2017 - The public is invited to join Mayor Fred Eisenberger, artist Dave Kuruc and City staff to celebrate the installation of the first of two public art beacons, entitled “Music City Markers,” at Gore Park.

Celebration Event

Date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Time: 7 pm in
Location: Gore Park near James Street (western entrance).

The event coincides with the monthly James Street North Art Crawl.

The work consists of four nine-metre-high x one-metre-wide digital images to be installed in glass and steel beacon features at Gore Park. One beacon featuring two of the images will be revealed at the celebration on October 13.

“Music City Markers” is inspired by the lyrics from the songs of 12 Hamilton based musicians that the artist feels are connected to the site. The short sections of lyrics are arranged into a series of word-based art works. Each word piece is rendered in such a way as to recall a letter pressed concert poster.

The work was chosen in part based on its response to the following themes developed through public consultation:

• History and Heritage: Recognize and reflect the rich and unique history of the area
• Inclusiveness and Community: The work should express a sense of community; be accessible to people of all ages; recognize the pedestrian focus of the area; and encourage gathering

Kuruc’s proposal was selected from 28 submissions based on the response to the competition themes, appropriateness for the site, artistic excellence, technical feasibility and public consultation results.

The jury report noted the work “proposed a unique connection to the Hamilton community through the stories of its musicians. It will be a bright and colourful graphic landmark in the park recalling the posters that are part of any vibrant urban place”.

The artist was awarded $4,000 for providing digital files of the work to the City for printing and installation.

Additional Resources

• The City defines public art as art created by artists, or in collaboration with artists, through a public process and existing on publicly owned and accessible property
• Public art helps strengthen the city’s visual identity, stimulates the economy, and enhances tourism and community pride
• Since 2010, the City’s public art program has received over 200 artist proposals, consulted with over 6,250 members of the public and awarded 18 public art commissions

For more information, visit www.hamilton.ca/publicart, email [email protected], or call (905) 546-2424 ext. 6281