Colouring Outside the Lines: Recovering Post-COVID Streetscapes

Oct 1

Revitalizing vacant spaces with art to attract people back into communities

By: Cassandra Harms and Jordan Monck.

After months of isolation and lifeless streets, people are beginning to rediscover their cities, visiting places and people they have missed. With new guidelines in place, communities need to be creative when drawing people back to the core; we need to create a sense of place and togetherness outdoors in spaces that were previously overlooked. Due to the reliance on large gatherings and indoor spaces, artists of all mediums have been among the hardest hit by this pandemic. There should be a place for everyone on the journey to economic recovery, and all cities, big or small, to possess the resources to provide these opportunities for the arts.

In our opinion, every unused surface and space that is seen from the street has the potential to become a canvas; not only will artists benefit from the exposure for their work, but local business will thrive when the buzz from new projects brings curious customers back downtown. This is a prime opportunity to create stronger partnerships between many groups: municipalities and organizations can commission artists for work on their properties, planners can work with artists to fulfill long-term urban design goals, and artists can help visually promote public health protocols. Having visual reminders of safety and social empathy during challenging times will help our communities stay bonded. When the world endures its next hardship, instead of focusing on what we cannot do, we can continue to build community vibrancy in rediscovered space that was not maximized during COVID-19.

Details:

Budget: As there is no intensive infrastructure or pre-consultation required, we see this idea as being affordable for a variety of municipalities. Each installation would be a separate commission most likely, and the overall cost to the municipality or organization would be dependent on the size and materials needed. It is typical for the body commissioning the piece to cover the cost of supplies and pay an additional 20 percent of the total cost of supplies to the artist. The budget is really dependent on how much municipalities are willing to devote to the arts, making it more accessible than a set model of implementation.

Materials and Fabrication: The materials required for this project depend on the artists chosen mediums and the type of works municipalities and organizations choose to commission. Additionally, if the medium is musical or sensory in nature, the artists typically will provide their own materials. The unique advantage to this plan is that the canvases already exist, they have just gone unused. Reclaiming walls, covered windows, and street space builds on many initiatives already happening around Ontario; however, we want to go bigger (since we’ve already gone home). Everyone has a little bit of space that could use some animation.

Installation and Other Services: The artists would be responsible for their own installation. Timelines for completion will vary depending on the type of installation. We are hopeful that when an interest in the arts has been established, the community can begin to participate as well; existing events such as chalk festivals were cancelled this year but we see an opportunity for these events to be allowed back in a safe way. Securing extra street space would allow artists and community members to spread out over a larger distance, while still collectively improving the vibrancy of their community. These types of events typically supply participants with their own materials as well. This is a great opportunity for municipalities to host community building events and partner with local art supply businesses and sponsors.