Culture, Heritage & Public Art

Help transform boxes and bins into colourful inspired works of art!

Public Art Wood Buffalo is seeking local artists, photographers and, designers of all backgrounds and experience to submit proposals for traffic signal/bin wraps.  Artwork can be created in any medium, but if selected must be provided in high-resolution digital files suitable for large-format printing.  The artwork wraps will be installed on traffic signal cabinets, bins, scrims/construction hoardings throughout the city.  The goal is to curb graffiti whilst adding visual interest/beauty to our shared streetscapes.

These new designs will replace some worn and damaged designs and will also be added to the design collection.  The artwork will transform these boxes and bins from functional infrastructure into colourful and inspired works of art.

Artist Fee

Artists will be awarded $700 for each artwork selected.

Eligibility

·         This call is open to artists/creatives of all ages, background, and experience.  Applicants must be current residents of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.

·         Artists under 18 years of age are eligible to apply but must have their parent or legal guardian sign all required documents on their behalf.

Artwork Themes

The artwork should showcase any of the following themes:

• ·         Natural landscapes and architecture.
• ·         Celebration of culture (such as cultural festivals, parades, events etc.)
• ·         The Seasons – spring, summer, autumn and winter
• ·         Wildlife and habitats
• ·         Historical Artifacts and Stories of the land
• ·         Native flowers and trees to our region

Artwork Maximum Lifespan

Artwork added to traffic signal cabinets/bins are considered temporary art with a maximum lifespan of 10 years.

Selection

A selection committee comprised of residents, local artists and arts professionals will select up to 40 designs for installation.  All proposals must be received by the submission deadline to be included in the selection process.

Content of Artwork

Artwork/photography must be original designs and appropriate for display in public spaces and should not contain any commercial references, such as trademarks, brands, or images of vulgar/offensive contents, or illegal activity, or present any demeaning or derogatory depictions of individuals or groups.

Artist Responsibilities

The artist(s) will be expected to:

·         Create and submit high-resolution digital files of up to 10 artwork/photography or graphic designs reflecting any of the themes listed.

·         Complete the online application form.

·         Complete and sign the design release form.

All proposals are to be submitted online.  A link to the online application form can be found on the Public Art webpage at rmwb.ca/publicart.

Digital Requirements

Proposals are to be submitted in either JPEG/PDF format with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi for large-format reproduction.

Site

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is located on Treaty 8 Territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dene, and the unceded territory of the Métis.

Public Art Wood Buffalo Traffic Signal Cabinet/Bin wrap project aligns with the Municipality’s Strategic Plan and the Wood Buffalo Culture Plan supporting arts and culture in our region and highlights local talent and heritage.  The wraps will be installed on traffic signal cabinets/bins at various locations throughout the region.  

Traffic bin dimensions

It may be helpful for the artist to understand the dimensions of the traffic signal bins. There are four different sizes.

Printing and Installation

Artworks will be provided to a municipal contractor to be reproduced on vinyl and a graffiti proof coating added after printing.  Traffic Signal Cabinets/bins are often targets for vandalism and as such please be aware that there is a possibility that the artwork could be vandalized.  The anti-graffiti coating on each bin/cabinet makes removing unwanted graffiti easier but the municipality cannot guarantee the risk of damage to the artwork and/or repair of the wrap.

Copyright

By submitting a proposal to this call, the artist guarantees that designs submitted are their own original creations and do not infringe upon the copyright of any other individual or group.

About the Municipal Public Art Program

Public Art Wood Buffalo’s mandate is to strengthen community identity and sense of place through the creation and development of public art within the region. A framework for funding and administering the program was created with Public Art Policy (PRC-170). This policy also supported the initiation of the council appointed Public Art Committee who advise on the development and delivery of program elements. In May 2021, Council adopted the Wood Buffalo Public Art Plan which supports a strategic process of further developing public art within the region.

Public Art Collection

There are many individuals, organizations and institutions who have contributed to the cultural fabric of the region through the delivery of public art.

Public Art Wood Buffalo has produced a plethora of temporary projects including murals, events, and locally focused programming. The Wood Buffalo Public Art Plan further outlines a vision for strengthening the permanent collection.

An online map of Arts, Culture and Heritage sites is currently under development.

Artist Roster

The Public Art Program at the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is developing an artist roster. Please sign up to receive emails about opportunities such as calls to artists, and information sessions.

Selection Panel Participation Roster

The selection panel roster will serve as a resource to build a database that will support the creation of a public art selection panel on an as needed basis for each project. The Public Art Wood Buffalo program is seeking individuals who have interest in public art and who would like to support evaluation of project submissions. Submit an application to be considered to be a member of a public art selection panel.