City of Hamilton seeking public comments on finalists for the Churchill Park Public Art Competition

HAMILTON, ON - The public is invited to provide their comments on six short-listed artists’ proposals for a permanent Public Art work for a new path in the western section of Churchill Park, also known as the Royal Botanical Gardens Teaching Garden.

Artists were asked to propose art works that speak to themes related to Human Rights and the legacy of great humanitarians such as Raoul Wallenberg, who saved over 100,000 Jews from the Holocaust.

A jury of volunteer citizens, stakeholders and artists has reviewed 44 artist and artist-led team’s submissions and have short-listed six artists’ proposals. Before the jury meets to select the winning submission, they would like to review public opinions of the short-listed proposals.

“The opinions of citizens play an essential role in selecting a work of public art that will be embraced by the community and contribute to improving the public spaces.”

Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Acting Director, Tourism and Culture Division

Members of the public can learn more about the goal and themes for the project, review the artists’ proposals, and provide their comments via the project webpage at www.hamilton.ca/ChurchillParkArt. They can also review proposals and provide their comments in person at the Hamilton Public Library - Westdale Branch 955 King Street West, during regular branch hours, until Friday April 5, 2019.

Comments collected will be provided to the citizen jury to be considered among other criteria such as artistic excellence, response to context, project themes, and technical issues in their determination of the winning proposal. These comments and a Jury Report outlining the reasons for their decision will also be posted to the project webpage.

Quick Facts

• Deadline for online comments is Sunday April 7, 2019.
• The winning artist or artist-led team will be awarded $200,000 for the fabrication of their work.
• 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 274 artist proposals, consulted with over 6,250 members of the public and awarded 18 public art commissions.

Resources

www.hamilton.ca/ChurchillParkArt
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 905-546-2424 ext. 6281