Collingwood looking for art to add to pool, arena entrances

The Town of Collingwood has issued a call to artists for a new public art project envisioned for the entrance ways of two recreation facilities. 

The plan, according to a recent announcement from the town, is to put up artwork in the entryways of the Centennial Aquatic Centre and Central Park Arena, and change it out about twice a year. 

Arts and Culture Coordinator Amanda Henry, said the spaces are suited to a "changeable gallery or museum exhibition space," instead of to permanent features.

"The main reason this project was outlined as a short-term/temporary installation is that we love the idea of multiple artists being able to take part," said Henry in an email to CollingwoodToday. "Ultimately, this allows for more local and regional artists to take part and display their works in the community, the end goal being to enrich the public spaces of Collingwood."

She anticipates the mural installations will be switched bi-annually.  

So, the town's public art selection committee is on the look out for several artists and different work that will be printed in high-resolution images and fitted to the inside walls of the entryway spaces. 

"The goal for the recreational facility public art project is to install artwork that captures attention and inspires and engages the public at two very active community venues," said Henry in a news release. 

Artists are invited to submit high-resolution images of their work -- new or existing -- for consideration by the deadline of Monday, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. There's a submission form available at collingwood.ca/public-art. 

There will be a selection committee, made up of three community members and a town staff member, charged with selecting the winning artworks. 

Full details and project criteria can be found at www.collingwood.ca/public-art.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the selection committee are asked to email [email protected] or call 705-441-6088 to express your interest, on or before Jan. 27.