[Side Arts Certified Sponsored Listing] The Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture announces a call for artists for the annual Arts Alive Public Art Program, a public art exhibition. Sculptures are selected by a peer jury to be displayed for up to a year at outdoor sites in Oak Bay, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. They are on temporary loan by the artists who are sponsored by a local business or community group.

Click here for the application / registration

Enter by: 23 January 2023

Oak Bay Parks, Recreation, and Culture has installed outdoor sculptures in a variety of locations around Oak Bay — from stylized realistic pieces to the purely abstract, in various media including static and kinetic sculpture. They have been greatly appreciated for their artistic merit and have challenged viewers to pause and reflect about living in this special seaside community, proud of its distinct heritage even as it contemplates its future as a vibrant place to live and work. The permanent sculptures frame views, animate parks, streetscapes, and viewpoints.

Arts Alive Public Art Program Theme for 2023: What is home?

This is an excellent opportunity for both mid-career and emerging artists to showcase their work. Artists are invited to reflect on and interpret the theme ‘What is Home?’.

A physical space or place? A nation or region? A connection to land or landscape? A sanctuary? A memory? Recollections of layers of history told through stories or legends? Cultural roots that extend for many generations? A safe space that satisfies the longing for connection? A palatial, modest, temporary or mobile residence? A place that is rented, borrowed or owned? A safe space that satisfies the longing for belonging? A place to thrive, forgive, love, celebrate, play, share, and dream of the future? A place that is no longer there, hidden, or make-shift?

How can an idea of home be communicated through the medium of sculpture?

Arts Alive Artist Benefits

Artist’s work will have exposure to thousands of residents and visitors in this high-profile program. The municipality, local media, and Oak Bay Tourism will promote this show throughout the year. Related arts events like art walks, paint-ins, concerts, and celebrations will be organized, generating excitement, and building community.

• Artists based in Western Canada are invited to apply for our 2023-2024 outdoor public art program
• Work will be displayed for approximately 1 year.
• Proposals will be reviewed by an expert volunteer jury.
• Depending on community sponsorships, up to 8 works may be selected.
• Successful submissions will be provided with an honorarium of $1,600.

About Oak Bay

The municipality of Oak Bay is part of Greater Victoria and is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. It lies in the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən people, known today as the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.

Surrounded by beaches and parkland, its scenery includes splendid views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. This geologically fascinating area is home to the unique and rare Garry Oak meadow ecosystem.

The 18,000 residents have a deep attachment to a natural and built environment. This municipality is legendary for its fine domestic architecture; picturesque, luxuriant gardens; and parks. Its compact and charming village heart is the home of several art galleries enjoyed by local artists and art enthusiasts.

For more information, contact apass@oakbay.ca.