The Markham Public Art Program has funded York Region Arts Council’s (YRAC) latest project, Our Park: Community Art Project Grant.
The program will fund Markham-based professional artists, arts organizations, artist collectives, or non-profit organizations to share free arts programming in selected Markham parks.
The programming may include dance, literary arts, music, theatre, visual and media arts, and community-engaged arts.
Ada Mackenzie Park, located at 185 South Park Rd., Markham, is the chosen site for the Our Park pilot. A professional panel will select the winning concept to be made available for free public viewing at the park. Survey feedback from users of the park, along with the natural and urban landscape of the park, and the seasonal environment, are aspects the artist will incorporate.
YRAC program curator Monica del Rio Pain explained that COVID-19 “has highlighted the importance of accessible, outdoor public art, in all its forms, as a means of expression, connection, and community healing.” The hope is that “the initiative will lead to more accessibility to art in our region, created by artists that live here,” she said, adding that the long-term vision is to introduce Our Park to other area municipalities of York Region.
Request for proposals from Markham-based professional artists, arts organizations, artist collectives, or non-profit organizations will be accepted by YRAC starting September 15, with the launch of the public art installation by the winning artist at Ada Mackenzie Park scheduled for spring 2023.
York Region Arts Council is a non-profit charitable arts service organization that supports York Region artists and art organizations by providing access to the resources they need for growth.
Visit yorkregionartscouncil.com/our-park for information.
Photo: Quarry by Mary Anne Barkhouse, a permanent public art installation commissioned by the Markham Public Art Program, located on the west side of Toogood Pond, Unionville.
