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Victoria residents help select art projects to boost and beautify neighbourhoods in 2022 – CBC.ca

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Over $54,000 is being awarded to six community-led arts projects in different spots around Victoria, as an initiative to beautify the city and create stronger community identity.

The initiative was part of the City of Victoria’s 2021 Participatory Budgeting initiative. It’s where residents are given the opportunity to participate and decide how to invest a portion of the municipal budget.

The money was allocated to fund projects to encourage social connection and belonging in different neighbourhood spaces. A volunteer committee solicited projects and then the general public was invited to vote on six winning projects. 

“I’m so proud of the volunteer steering committee — how they engaged our community first to come up with projects to improve neighbourhood spaces in Victoria and then how they organized voting, giving residents ultimate decision as to which projects were funded,” said Mayor Lisa Helps in a statement. 

The six projects are:

  • a Lower Yates Street mural;
  • a billboard on the Victoria Arts Council building;
  • street murals on Quadra Street near Burdett Street, and at Vancouver Street and Burdett Street;
  • pop-up performances by Theatre SKAM Association;
  • an outdoor movie night at Oaklands Park;
  • and the creation of a community hub at Dockside Green.

Each was awarded a different set of funds to complete their projects in 2022.

A mock-up of what the Curbside Colour mural on Quadra Street could look like. (City of Victoria)

Jesse Campbell, a Michef artist with Salteaux ancestry, is leading the design of the two street-surface murals on Quadra and Vancouver streets.

The Curbside Colour project was awarded $15,750 to paint murals reflecting Indigenous imagery and history at two traffic-calming locations.

One of the things I want to emphasize is maybe a reflection of what the street looked like prior to there being a street there. What did the land look like before the road was put in? What did the land look like before buildings came in?” Campbell said on CBC’s All Points West. 

The project, he says, comes at a time where mural-making has taken off. 

“With COVID, a lot of events have been cancelled and, in my mind, what better way to engage with the artists than through public space and with murals where you can sort of distance but also have a lasting sort of legacy impact?” he said. 

There are challenges working on a large-scale piece of art that will literally be walked upon, but Campbell says bring art to the streets is a great way to make it accessible. 

“A lot of times you’ll have interaction from folks who wouldn’t necessarily step in a gallery, and when you’re painting out on the street, anyone can walk up and enjoy a piece of art and engage with folks who are installing the work and telling the story,” he said. 

Campbell expects his team to start work in March.

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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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