Posted July 21, 2020
NEWS RELEASE
WEST END ART PROJECT
COMMUNITY PUBLIC ART PIECE
July 21, 2020
Windsor, Ontario
There’s a new public art piece planned for Windsor’s West End being inspired by community feedback and creative submissions.
The West End Art project is a community-based art project aimed at engaging local youth and the surrounding community in the development of a representative public art project.
Through funding provided by the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan, this project aims to enhance civic pride as understood by its diverse communities, reflecting the importance of the area from the people living and working in the West End.
Utilizing social media, public surveys and a creative challenge, those who participate will be asked about their favourite places and spaces in the area, including what type of art they would like to see and what types of art challenges they have or would be willing to take part in.
“The goal of the community survey is to capture the various narratives and artistic interests of those who represent the West End,” said project coordinator, Veronica Samek from Life After Fifty.
“We launched prior to the pandemic and hoped to work directly with youth groups to create this piece. Now we are seeking the talents of young artists and youth arts organizations online, challenging them creatively, and potentially seeking their talent to complete the final piece or pieces which will be fully funded by this project.”
To help identify what this project could look like, creative submissions in the form of stories, digital art and local photos are being requested through an online form or by mail-in.
Those with digital art skills are uniquely challenged to think about the future of the West End, “What do you hope the future of West Windsor will look like? “is the creative prompt. Those who participate are asked to consider the change the Gordie Howe International Bridge will make in the shape of the landscape and future west end skyline
Those who participate in the creative challenge and/or the survey will be entered to win a gift card from one of West Windsor's local businesses. However, the inspiration for the final piece and even the potential artist could be the final result for this call to the community.
For additional inquiries or to send your submissions by mail, please contact project coordinator Veronica Samek at vsamek@lifeafterfifty.ca or 519-254-1108 x 124.
Backgrounder:
Our Organization, Life After Fifty
Life After Fifty is a charitable not-for-profit organization and designated Seniors Active Living Centre providing activities for adults fifty and over. Providing a consistent source of seniors programming in our community since 1962. All activities are developed to simulate cognitive and motor function as well as promote social interaction to combat isolation. With locations at the West Side Centre located at 635 McEwan Avenue and the
East Side Centre is located within the WFCU Centre at 8787 McHugh Street, social programming has shifted online during the COVID-19 Pandemic and support for seniors is available by telephone at 519-254-1108.
Project Coordinator, Veronica Samek
Responsible for over a dozen murals displayed in the community, funded and created by a variety of grants, sponsors and local events. Her background includes community engagement programs, artist development and event management.
Associated Links:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronica Samek
Project Coordinator,
West End Art Project/Life After Fifty
vsamek@lifeafterfifty.ca or 519-254-1108 x 124
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