The Markham Public Art Program and York Region Arts Council have teamed up to launch a pilot project for a new program to create a performance-based temporary art project.
But before officially launching Our Park: Community Art Project Grant, the organizations are inviting Markham residents to complete a survey that will help them create the guidelines that will become part of the Open Call to Artists to be released this summer.
Following an open call to Markham artists, artist groups and arts organizations, the winning project will be selected by a panel of relevant professionals. It will be presented in Ada Mackenzie Park on South Park Road next spring and open to the public at no charge.
The Markham Public Art Program was initiated in 2003 and formalized in 2012. Five permanent artworks have been commissioned through the program since 2013 and two more are currently in progress. In 2019, Markham City Council approved a Public Art Master Plan 2020-2024. Its goals are to inspire people to live, work, visit and invest in Markham; to celebrate the city’s diverse cultures and heritage from multiple points of view; and to connect residents to Markham’s built and natural environment.
York Region Arts Council is a non-profit charitable arts service organization that’s focused on capacity building, creative placemaking and community engagement in support of artists, arts organizations and creative entrepreneurs.
It will take about eight to 10 minutes to complete the survey. All responses are anonymous and confidential.
Photo of a permanent artwork from City of Markham website.
