After four long years, Squamish's downtown streets can expect a bit of sprucing up.
The District of Squamish and Squamish Arts Council (SAC) are putting out a call for artists who want to see their work hoisted on street lamps and wrapped around B.C. Hydro electrical boxes. The initiative, which was adopted by council last February, is being delivered in the form of an art competition. The winners' work will be turned into street banners and brighten up hydro boxes.
Artists are encouraged to submit work that is influenced by the uniqueness of Squamish and the surrounding community, said Jan Durocher, the chair of the Squamish Arts Council (SAC). The contest is open to all residents, including youth, students and professional artists.
"We are looking for any submission that can be easily translated to print," she wrote in an email to The Chief.
The artwork should consist of a maximum of three elements and four colours (five if including white). Artists should avoid pastels, Durocher stated, noting the weather will naturally fade the pieces.
Contestants must submit a one-page resumé in pdf format, with other examples of the artist's work and a half-page rationale of the design as it pertains to the community, Durocher noted.
The competition, a joint venture between the district, SAC and the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association, closes on Thursday (Nov. 22) at 5 p.m. The winning design will receive a cash prize of $500 and the street banners will be installed next May.
For more information about submissions and where to apply visit www.squamishartscouncil.ca or www.downtownsquamish.com or www.squamish.ca.
