Seven pieces of public art will soon be coming to various locations in the city.
The Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH) applied for and secured $331,700 from a yet-to-be-named source as part of the in-progress art in public places master plan.
The funding will contribute to both the seven art installations and the development of the master plan.
OMAH officials presented the news at Thursday’s council meeting.
“The master plan will enable the committee to move forward with a cohesive strategy for the development, financing and installation of meaningful works of art that connect visitors to the area’s rich cultural heritage (through) strategically located artwork across the city,” said OMAH chair Anna van Maris.
“Our intention is to expand the visitor experience to new and unique flavours of neighbourhoods beyond the traditional mainstream tourism destinations.”
The sites for the artwork were chosen for their location near entry points to the city, their proximity to tourism areas beyond the downtown, and their connection to Orillia’s trails and active transportation networks, a staff report noted.
The selected locations are as follows:
- Wilson Point trail intersection
- Fittons Road trail intersection
- Water filtration plant
- Orillia Recreation Centre
- Stormwater pond, near the West Orillia Sports Complex
- James Street trail intersection
- Atherley Road trail intersection
The theme for the art pieces is ‘crossroads, connections, and intersections,’ which artists are encouraged to interpret in their own way. Suggested applications of the theme include the environment, local history, truth and reconciliation, water, and more.
Council endorsed the chosen sites for the artwork Thursday and authorized the art in public places committee to work with city staff on logistics, installation, and public safety measures for the projects.
“The suggested locations … certainly will add to the visitors’ experience ...” said Mayor Steve Clarke.
Coun. Pat Hehn asked for more information about the suggested sites.
“I ask you to explain a little bit more about why the places were chosen because I wasn’t sure they were places that a lot of people would see (the artwork),” Hehn said.
“The reason was … to connect the communities just outside of the City of Orillia’s borders, so the idea was to bring them into the city,” replied OMAH executive director Ninette Gyorody. “The idea was to move people around and also to encourage them to visit businesses that they may not traditionally visit across the four wards.”
The art pieces are expected to be complete by March 31, 2023.
Artists may submit proposals until Sept. 26 through the OMAH website.
