City Unveils 20th Anniversary Placemaker Artwork Catalogue
A catalogue showcasing a collection of temporary public artworks that were a part of the City’s Placemaker Program from 1994 to 2015 was unveiled at the Frances Morrison Library Gallery today.
“Art challenges, engages, and inspires us to see the world in new ways,” says His Worship Mayor Charlie Clark. “The Placemaker Program has given the City a tremendous legacy of public art over the last 20 years. Art and culture will continue to have important places in our Strategic Plan and the future of our city.”
The City’s Placemaker Program works with the Business Improvement Districts to add significance to civic spaces. These exhibits temporarily transform public spaces to engage with audiences and promote an appreciation for contemporary art practices. All artwork is considered annually and selected by the Public Art Advisory Committee. Artists can submit in any medium. Preference is given to submissions by emerging artists and pieces that reflect Saskatoon’s unique sense of place through its people, history, culture, or landform.
“The City recognizes the significance of this catalogue,” says Director of Planning and Development, Lesley Anderson. “We now have a reference to our past works that is not only useful, but beautiful.”
The Placemaker Artwork Catalogue is the final component of the 66 Physiognomies project, led by local artist, Jinzhe Cui, who used a multi-media approach to celebrate the program’s 20-year history. The project started in 2015 and included a traditional Chinese-style scroll ink drawing, illustrated cards, six public events, and a video. Now, added to the list is a catalogue to document and interpret the past Placemaker artworks.
“It has been a joy and opportunity to explore public art practice and to meet new people,” says Cui. “During my journey of 66 Physiognomies, I have been touched by the beauty and uniqueness from the people, history, culture, art, and landscape in Saskatoon.”
The 20th Anniversary Placemaker Artwork Catalogue is available online to the public, and a copy can be found at every Saskatoon public library branch.
The City would also like to remind artists that the 2017 Placemaker Program Call for Submissions is open until Wednesday, March 29, 2017.