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City of Winnipeg turns to street art to calm traffic on cycling routes – CBC.ca

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The city is watching paint dry along select summer cycling routes in hopes of slowing motor vehicles down more than slashing the speed limit has been able to. 

Local artists are being commissioned to help paint colourful murals on pavement along some city Enhanced Summer Bike Routes after a recent analysis of traffic use showed drivers were still going too fast despite a posted 30 km/h speed limit. 

The pavement art helps calm traffic because it creates the perception a roadway is more narrow, said Erik Dickson, a livable streets specialist with the City of Winnipeg’s public works department. 

Fifteen artists are currently working at 16 sites along four of the reduced-speed routes, including parts of Wellington Crescent west of Academy Road, Lyndale Drive, Churchill Drive and Kilkenny Drive. 

There are 15 enhanced summer routes in all, open from May to Oct. 31. Each has a reduced road speed limit, while a select few have areas in which motor vehicles must turn off after travelling one block. 

The art also has the effect of drivers slowing to take it in, said Dickson. “People slow down to take a look at what’s happening,” he said. 

The city is partnering with local public art collective Cool Streets Winnipeg for the $50,000 traffic-calming project. The group was involved in a lauded 2021 effort to transform the look of eight city bridges. Most of the money is to pay the artists, Dickson said. 

“It’s a quick turnaround project, but we’re really really happy with the response [from them],” Dickson said. “We haven’t done an installation, especially on this scale before, on this many streets.” 
Eric Dickson is a liveable streets specialist with the city’s public works department. He says the traffic-calming effort is also beautifying the areas it’s happening in. (CBC)

The traffic calming efforts are needed, especially with the end of the designated routes looming, said Jason Carter, a member of Bike Winnipeg and former president of the Manitoba Cycling Association. 

He pointed to a curved section of Wellington Crescent running along the Assiniboine River not far from Doncaster Street as an issue — the same where a teen girl was killed in 2012 while a passenger in a speeding SUV that crashed. 

Carter said he was almost struck in the same area by a van which left the road and crossed over onto an adjacent cycling path when he used to commute through the area. 

“Had I been going a little faster I would have been knocked into the river,” he said. 

Traffic volume will pick up along that section in the late fall and winter as more drivers access the road, but without speed limit or other restrictions, which will end. 

“So really, whatever you can do to slow that track down really helps,” Carter said. 

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.

The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.

Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”

With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.

The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.

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