Feb 05, 2020

Town and Arts Council partner to launch new public art banner program

The Town of Ladysmith and the Arts Council of Ladysmith and District are partnering together to launch the new Community Banner Program - Public Art Banners.  We are now calling for submissions from artists to be part of this exciting opportunity to create public art that will add to our already vibrant downtown and First Avenue.

Emerging and professional artists of all ages from Ladysmith, Stz’uminus and area are invited to create street banner designs that represent Ladysmith’s small town charm, coastal community life and long, diverse cultural heritage while also highlighting the 2020 theme "International Year of Plant Health: Protecting Plants, Protecting Life."

"Ladysmith’s colourful and artistic banners add to the vibrancy and unique sense of place you experience when shopping on First Avenue and exploring the picturesque waterfront at Transfer Beach," said Mayor Aaron Stone. “Council appreciates the commitment of the Arts Council in helping to roll out this new program as together we showcase the incredible creativity of our local artists.”

The new banner program aligns with key priorities from Ladysmith Council’s Strategic Plan, such as strengthening partnerships, implementing projects for enhancing downtown and rolling out recommendations from the Public Art Strategy.

The three winning designs for 2020 will be installed in the downtown core along First Avenue as part of a phased implementation of the new program.

Currently over 150 banners are installed on light standards in Town every summer.  Be a part of sharing our story and help us create a welcoming downtown. 

"The Arts Council is excited to be part of the new Community Banner Program – Public Art Banners of the Town of Ladysmith.   This is a wonderful opportunity for our local artists to take part in such a high exposure program.  We cannot wait to see the exciting original designs," said Kathy Holmes, Arts Council of Ladysmith and District.

Each artist may submit up to three designs and submissions should be received by 

February 28th at 4 p.m. The call for submissions, entry form and guidelines are available online at www.ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com/bannerapp.

For more information, contact Kathy Holmes at 250-245-1252 or art@ladysmithwaterfrontgallery.com.

Three honoraria of $500 each will be awarded. Winners will be announced in March 2020. Banners will be displayed May through October 2020.