artsVest Niagara Public Art Project Launched!

Region backs public art for revitalization

Thursday, January 24, 2008

To help revitalize areas identified in Community Improvement Plans, Niagara Region is helping to partner property owners, business and artists to create public art works.

The Niagara Public Art Program is a new component of Business for the Arts' artsVest's matching incentive program, created through a partnership between Business for the Arts and Niagara Region.

Niagara Region and Business for the Arts have created the pilot program, the first of its kind, to provide opportunities to revitalize communities while creating partnerships and encouraging collaboration between artists, property owners and business owners. "It's a pilot project for Niagara ... but it hasn't been done anywhere else," said Terri Donia, Niagara Region planner.

"We're definitely hoping it has a huge uptake and generates a lot of interest."

It's also designed to promote Smart Growth principles and recognize the positive contributions that public art makes to neighbourhoods and communities.

The amount to be applied for is $5,000 per property/project as a matching grant for sponsorship dollars secured by a business partner. There is $25,000 available for five projects.

Artists and property owners are invited to attend an introductory workshop on Feb. 1 at 2 p.m. at Niagara Regional headquarters, council chambers.

Interested workshop participants are asked to confirm attendance with Jasmin Ralph at 905-685-1571 ext. 3381 or e-mail at jasmin.ralph@regional.niagara.on.ca. The workshop will be repeated on Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. via conference call. For details on the conference call or program itself, visit www.regional.niagara.on.ca or www.businessforarts.org.

For further information on the Niagara Art Program, contact Donia at 905-685-1571 ext. 3374 or call Business for the Arts at 416-869-3016 ext. 222.