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Public art installation will enliven new southwest Kitchener library

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KITCHENER — The Kitchener Public Library and the city have launched a public art competition for a new library branch that will be built in the southwest part of the city.

Construction on the 14,000-square-foot building is expected to start next year, with an anticipated opening in 2024.

The library will be built in the Rosenberg neighbourhood, southwest of Bleams and Fischer-Hallman roads. The building will help to anchor a community campus with parkland, trails, an elementary school and community centre all planned.

Established artists or art teams with experience creating public art projects have until Jan. 20 to submit applications. An information session hosted by city staff at the Central Library will be held Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Proposals will be considered by a jury; preference will be given to submissions from artists or groups with Indigenous, immigrant or other equity-deserving backgrounds.

City staff will conduct a technical review of eligible proposals before they’re reviewed by the jury.

In the second stage of the process, up to three shortlisted artists will prepare detailed concept drawings or maquettes for the jury’s review; a final recommendation will be reviewed by the city’s public art working group, arts and culture advisory committee and the Kitchener Public Library board before being presented to city council for approval.

The winning artist will receive $65,000 for the commission. Submissions that make it to the second round will each receive $850 to offset the cost of preparing the detailed proposal.

Possible locations for the chosen commission include a bulkhead in the main programming area, and the main triangular-shaped entryway, which could accommodate artwork suspended from the ceiling.

The call for submissions said a public art piece at the new library will “support the creation and offering of an accessible, welcoming and equity-affirming space that can be enjoyed by people from any cultural background, ethnicity, class or social disposition.”

The $10.1-million library will include a demonstration kitchen — a first for a library in the region — along with a recording studio, learning gardens, outdoor programming space and after-hours space available for rent.

Designers are aiming to create a net-zero energy-efficient building, with solar panels and geothermal technology.

 

For more information on the art competition, visit the city’s website.

 

 

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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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