March 31, 2004
Art Underfoot competition calls for design submissions for manhole covers
The City of Vancouver is calling on Vancouverites to “put a
lid on it”. Through its Public Art Program, the City has launched
the Art Underfoot competition, a contest that invites anyone who lives,
works or goes to school in Vancouver to submit designs for manhole
covers on our streets.
Artists (amateur or professional) are asked to send in designs. An
independent panel of judges will select two designs, one for storm
sewer covers and one for sanitary sewer covers.
The winning designs will be made into master patterns, and the impressions
cast in iron. From these master patterns, thousands of manhole covers
can be produced.
A cash prize of $2000 will be awarded for each of the winning designs,
and the top-30 shortlisted entries will be eligible for a grand prize
draw.
The selection panel includes artist Sonny Assu; Chief Curator of the
Vancouver Art Gallery Daina Augaitus; writer, artist and designer Douglas
Coupland; and Executive Director of the David Suzuki Foundation Jim
Fulton.
Art Underfoot is part of an initiative approved by Vancouver City
Council to incorporate public art on City infrastructure items such
as manhole covers, and to make these components more visible to the
public.
The two cover designs will also signify the separation of the city’s
sanitary and storm water sewer pipes. Originally, the city had mostly
combined sewers, with storm water and sanitary sewage from residences
and businesses all being carried through one pipe. Gradually, the system
is being separated, which will help prevent overflows during heavy
rainfalls from polluting our local waters. Separation of the system
is expected to be complete by 2050.
As the City expands the separated sewer system and new developments
go up, the decorated manhole covers will be used on new installations.
They’ll also be used when old covers need replacing.
Copies of the Art Underfoot information brochure and application/template
form are available at City Hall, and local libraries and community
centres. The publication can also be downloaded at www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/publicart.
Design entries are due May 5, 2004.
For more information:
Barbara Cole
City of Vancouver Public Art Program
604.871.6038
art_underfoot@city.vancouver.bc.ca
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/publicart
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