With construction of the Multiplex underway, Canmore’s public art committee is already hard at work on the largest commission in the community’s history.
Last week, council approved the location and media for a $100,000 piece of public art to be located at the Multiplex.
Supervisor of arts and culture Chris Bartolomie recommended council approve the bioswale area located in the main plaza area leading to the entrance of the facility as a location and three-dimensional sculpture as the media.
“The recommended site allows for the greatest visibility reflecting the significance of the artwork, the single largest commission the Town of Canmore has had to date,” Bartolomie said. “The main entrance maximizes exposure and potential for interaction… in this location, the artwork will contribute to the overall streetscape.”
She said the commission would be Canada-wide and by invitation, adding there are local artists capable of this type of work that would be included.
Mayor Ron Casey and Councillor John Borrowman questioned the location in a bioswale, which is described as a dry creek bed with a gravel bottom in the staff report.
Bartolomie said the area around the swale is included as a potential location. She added the intention of the committee is to bring three shortlisted artists to Canmore to meet with landscapers, architects, visit the site and understand the potential in the bioswale and the surrounding area.
The $100,000 budget was approved by council as part of the 2011 capital budget and is funded from the public art reserve which sees $3 per capita added to it annually.
