Public art installations are set to liven up Preston Street as it receives a significant number of submissions for its public art project.
The area between Albert Street and Carling Avenue will have public art installed in 2009, following the competition process this year.
There were 23 submissions from local artists, which have been eventually narrowed down to five finalists. The public art project on Wellington Street West received 19 submissions earlier this year.
The project is funded by the City of Ottawa’s capital construction project, which has a longstanding policy of dedicating one per cent of its budget to public artwork.
Another reconstruction project that could provide opportunities for public artwork is the proposed work on Churchill Avenue and Scott Street, which is in its planning stages. Metcalfe Street is currently on the waiting list for rehabilitation.
“We’ve had many projects in the last year,” says Karen Nesbitt, head of the public art project and City of Ottawa cultural planner, “it’s great for the arts.”
The judging panel consists of artists, the landscape architect, and community representatives.
The winning artist or team of artists will be given a budget of $185,000 plus GST which will need to cover all costs required to design, fabricate and install the project.
Nesbitt says the materials used by artists must be resilient to damage from an outdoor environment; therefore paintings may not be possible.
While the rehabilitation process will focus on improving the conditions of its sewer and water systems, the public art project is still an important aspect of improving the overall appeal of the street.
“We’re very interested in turning Preston Street into a pedestrian-friendly, colourful and active retail area,” says Coun. Diane Holmes of the City of Ottawa, whose ward includes Preston Street.
Preston Street is far from barren of an arts culture. Gladstone Avenue has a visual arts studio run by the non-profit organization Enriched Bread Artists, which consists of 24 professional artists.
Jana Traversy, local artist and owner of the Galleria Corso Italia on Preston Street, says she was not aware of the public art project but believes the installations will have a positive impact on the street.
“A lot of artists live in the area. It’s definitely something I would be positive about.”
The Galleria Corso Italia hosts visual art exhibitions as well as showcasing Traversy’s own work.
Holmes adds that the artists will make an effort to buy their art supplies locally, and the street’s businesses will benefit from a more attractive streetscape.
“I’m very much in favour of this program; it definitely decorates the street,” she says.
The design requirements include a demonstration of artistic excellence and compatibility with surrounding structures.
“There needs to be a confluence between the design of the artwork and the design of the street,” says Nesbitt. A public viewing of the finalists’ proposals is scheduled for Nov. 25.