Calling All Visual Artists

kc dyer
8 hours ago
2 min read

Lions Bay looks for beach inspiration

Got an eye for visual splendour? Lions Bay Arts wants to hear from you.

This week, the local artists collective put out a request for proposal (RFP) seeking submissions for the biggest local project on the books — Lions Bay Beach Park.

Organizers are looking for a unique design that will be wrapped around the new washroom facilities at the beach. They are keen to "capture the essence of our community’s sense of place within our breathtaking natural environment with whimsical imagery that evokes fun for all ages and respects our ecological impact," according to the RFP.

The group is anxious to ensure equal opportunity for all BC artists, and so are reaching out, via local media, to residents of Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish and Bowen Island, as well as the Coast Salish and Squamish Nations.

Proposals will be accepted until 6 p.m. on February 28, after which all submissions will be evaluated by a jury based on the design concept, community relevance, feasibility, and the artist’s previous experience. A maximum of five shortlisted artists will then be selected by March 15.

And in a bid to find the best, LB Arts is willing to put a little cash on the line.

According to the RFP, each of the shortlisted artists will receive $500 and be given the opportunity to refine and finalize their proposals after receiving feedback from the selection committee.

Responding to a question about this unusual step, group treasurer Leslie Nolin says their mandate is to support artists, "and in this process we felt the need to do just that, so perhaps we are breaking the mold a little."

Final designs from the shortlisted group will be accepted until April 15, with the winner announced by April 30. The chosen artist will receive $5,000 for their selected design, and their design will be wrapped around the completed building at the beach.

Nolin says the idea of using an appliqué of the design to wrap the building instead of just painting it on is to ensure its ability to withstand the harsh climactic characteristics of rain and salt in the oceanside location.

Information about the project can be found HERE, while a request for a complete application package can be made by sending an email to beachparkart@gmail.com.

Deadline is February 28.