The City of Thunder Bay is looking for public feedback to help inform the decision of what public art will be permanently installed as part of the City’s North Core Street Scape Public Art Installations Project in summer of 2025. 

The feedback opportunity is for four works of art that have been selected as finalists for two locations - Court Street Plaza (north-west corner of Court Street North and Red River Road), and Mall Street Plaza (at Mall Street and Red River Road. A third location at St. Paul Street to Cumberland Street Plaza (North side, from Cumberland Street to St. Paul Street) remains under review. 

“Engaging the public is an important element of helping the jury make their final decisions for this exciting project,” said Laurie Abthorpe, Cultural Development & Public Art Coordinator, “In addition to the online survey, we’ll be hosting two public open houses where the public can share their thoughts on this unique opportunity to help shape our city.” 

The survey and more information can be found online via the City’s Get Involved platform at www.thunderbay.ca/getinvolved. Hard copies of the survey will be available at the public open houses. The survey closes Dec 20. 

The free-to-attend open houses run from 4pm to 8pm on Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Mary JL Black Library and 10am to 2pm Friday, Dec. 13 at the Goods & Co. Market. 

City public art competitions are juried by a panel comprised of representatives from the City's Public Art Committee, City administration, artists, art professionals and project stakeholders. Feedback from all public engagement, as well as information from technical advisors, is considered by the jury in making their final selections. 

Canadian artists and artist teams were invited to submit proposals for public art installations as part of the North Core Street Scape Project through an open Call to Artists. The project aims to revitalize the city's North Core by redesigning streets to create a flexible, dynamic, and human-centered space that meets the needs of a diverse community. Public art is essential to this project as it helps to define the space and create a sense of place.

 

 

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Contact:       Laurie Abthorpe, Cultural Development & Public Art Coordinator, 807-625-2357 or laurie.abthorpe@thunderbay.ca