The City of Airdrie is calling for submissions from local artists for display in City Hall and Genesis Place.
The pieces will be displayed for up to two months as part of the City’s art program, designed to provide emerging and established Airdrie artists a venue to showcase their work.
“In recent years, we have seen an increase in interest for arts-related community activities and a desire by residents to become more engaged in the arts movement,” said Lorri Laface, the City’s community development team leader. “Whether becoming active participants, organizing community arts and culture events, or just wanting to enjoy and appreciate art, programs such as this are a step in the right direction and will hopefully raise the profile of arts in Airdrie.”
The program is put on by a committee, made up of City staff, which selects the art to be displayed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Artists may display the title of their framed, finished work and information about themselves, but are prohibited from putting a price tag on their work.
While the City of Airdrie isn’t promoting the sale of art, staff will facilitate communication between artists and residents interested in purchasing it.
“We don’t pretend to be a gallery, we just provide a venue for residents to showcase their work,” McAllister said. “In the past three years, we’ve had a good portion of artists who have really set their artistic career off because of it.”
According to the City of Airdrie’s policy, the arts have been instrumental in creating unique public places that have yielded physical, social, and economic benefits for communities.
The program has been ongoing for about three years and accepts work from artists of all ages, training, backgrounds and styles to submit their work for display.
Artists from Airdrie and area are welcome to take part. In the past, the program has garnered work from artists ranging from ages 10 to senior citizens.
According to Michael McAllister, community developer with the City, the program offers an opportunity for artists to have their work seen.
To submit artwork, call McAllister at 403-948-8800 extension 8776.
