DIDSBURY - A municipal art banner project showcasing Didsbury-area artists and their works on streetlight pole banners in Didsbury has recently been approved by town council.
“These banners will enhance our streetscapes for residents and visitors alike, while celebrating our local artists, landscapes and history,” said Ethan Gorner, the Town of Didsbury's chief administrative officer, while discussing the municipal project at a recent council meeting.
Acceptable submissions will include paintings, drawings, photography, digital art, sculptures/3-D artwork, and other visual arts such as stained glass and mosaics. The artwork will be transferred to banners that will then be installed in town.
The theme of the banner project is ‘Spotlight on Didsbury - Its landmarks, landscapes, community and culture.”
The project will be open to artists age 12 and older that reside within the town of Didsbury or Didsbury rural area.
All submissions must be original to the artist. The project will see between 10 and 14 banners installed.
The banners are expected to last between three and five years and will be displayed throughout the year, with the exception of the times when graduation, veteran and Christmas banners are installed.
Submissions will include a short written statement about the submitted piece of art, which will be used on the Town of Didsbury website and social media to promote the program.
“Artists also have the option of submitting a short biography that can also be used in the promotion of the program, and also have the option of having their hame included on the banners,” he said.
Submissions will be reviewed by administration to “ensure reproduction can be achieved”, and recommendations will then be presented to council for final selection,” he said.
Application packages for the program are available at the town office and on the town’s website.
The submission deadline is May 15, banner selection will take place May 16-31, banner projection will take place in June, and the banners will be installed following the removal of graduation banners.
“I’m really excited about this program,” said Coun. Joyce McCoy.
Deputy mayor Curt Engel added, “I think it is an amazing opportunity for our local artists.”
Council approved the banner program as presented.
