Blackfriars Settlement’s Post

📣 As the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) deadline quickly approaches for this year's Humber-Mimico Bridge cycle track project as part of StreetARToronto's Concrete Barrier Program, I have a few helpful tips for new and emerging artists to think about highlighting as part of your application ⤵ 𝗧𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 👀 - Your artist bio is great insight for the curatorial team into who you are. We love to learn about your interests, past mural and art-making experience and how your work might well-represent StART values. - Past experience working on community-engaged and public realm creative projects is a huge asset! 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 🎨 - Providing photographs of past murals and artworks that are high-resolution, clear and brightly lit. - Works that showcase your artistic style. We love to connect what you describe in your artist bio with what you show us in your images. - Showcasing past artworks that could work in the context of an outdoor mural setting and help the curatorial team visualize that (i.e. acrylic latex and/or spray paint, etc.) ➡ Visit https://lnkd.in/gv8ke4bS before Monday, April 22nd to apply 💻 #StreetArt #Toronto #ConcreteBarriers #CycleTracks #murals

The Transformative Power of Art in Community Building In the past week, I've witnessed two profoundly different examples of how art can impact and strengthen communities. The first occurred during our subdivision's community garage sale. As an artist, I offered to host a sidewalk chalk event, something I've done many times before in communities. Donning my alter ego, Professor Bubbles (complete with a bubble-painted lab coat), I set up along a pathway with bubble machines and boxes of chalk. Surprisingly, this event drew more adults than children. Neighbors who typically remain isolated in their homes came out, picked up chalk, and began to interact. Even a door-to-door pest control salesman joined in, spending an hour simply enjoying the camaraderie without once mentioning his services. It was a beautiful reminder of how art can break down barriers and foster connections. The second example took place in Dayton, Ohio, where I witnessed the creation of a large sidewalk mosaic memorializing a tragic mass shooting from several years ago. My friend Jes McMillan of the Mosaic Institute of Dayton shared that over the past six months, more than 5,000 community members contributed to laying out the tiles during open studio events. In recent days, dozens more have helped with completion and grouting. This project exemplifies how art can facilitate healing and unity in the wake of tragedy. The overwhelming community support and participation in creating this memorial underscore the power of public art to bring people together and provide a tangible symbol of collective resilience. From simple chalk drawings that help neighbors connect, to complex mosaics that unite thousands in a shared purpose, community art builds engagement and strengthens social bonds. It provides a platform for expression, healing, and connection that transcends words. I'm eager to hear your experiences with community art. Please share your stories in the comments or email me at [email protected]. Let's continue to explore and celebrate the transformative power of art in our communities. #CommunityArt #PublicArt #ArtHeals #CommunityBuilding #CreativeEngagement

NEW BLOG: From giant pigeons in NYC to what really symbolizes Dallas, this post dives into quirky headlines and creative ideas for city sculptures. 🏙️ #Dallas #CityLife #NewBlogPost

beautiful and inspiring. Art is a universal expression.

We at CWA and CES have shared several stories regarding the use of public art to create more community within the built environment. We are proud to reside in an area of Michigan that considers this an important part of society. That, however, hasn't always been the case. The following Concentrate article is the first of two pieces that covers the topic of public art. "The question of public art — what it is, what it should look like, what its purpose might be, who should pay for it, and who gets to decide any of those matters — has never been a simple one in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, or anywhere else, for that matter." Follow this link to read the full article: https://lnkd.in/epmqGJGV #planning #future #publicart #community #builtenvironment #empower #beauty

Artwork is Real Work! Arts workers are major contributors to California’s economy, culture, and community well-being. Yet there are few to no social protections for artists to thrive as a workforce. An artist's work is not seen as labor and more often than not is misconceived as a luxury or a pastime. Artists are bringing solutions to health and climate change. They are trusted messengers across government departments such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Housing and Urban Development, helping leverage resources to communities. Artists also run creative businesses and not only boost local economies but also provide vital space for community building and civic engagement. Artists deserve conditions to thrive and need to be legitimized as a workforce and industry. Join our #ACCM2024 campaign this April to prove that #ArtWorkisRealWork Visit: bit.ly/engage-accm and help us spread the word about the need to invest in creative workers, creative businesses, and creative solutions. #artisreal #artworkisrealwork #creativebusiness #creativeindustry #creativesmatter #artmatters #promoteart #artgallery

Oracles Prophesying the 2024 Art Market in the attached article: My Three Cents: (i) Buy art from those who are uplifting humanity - they deserve your investment more than anyone else; (ii) Support BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ & Women who have dedicated their lives to being full-time working artists - they struggle the most; (iii) and, buy pieces that have the power to shift narratives and inspire the world - We all need it - desperately - right now more than ever before. Lesley, Atma & Alchemy Art

🎨 How Public Art Changes the World for the Better 🎨 Public art is more than just decoration – it's a powerful tool for social change and community building. From murals that tell the stories of marginalized communities to sculptures that challenge our perceptions, public art has the ability to transform spaces and inspire action. One of my favorite examples is [insert specific example or story]. This piece not only beautified the neighborhood but also sparked important conversations about [insert relevant social issue]. It's a reminder that art is a universal language that can bridge divides and bring people together.Public art creates a sense of identity and pride, encourages community engagement, and can even drive economic development by attracting visitors and businesses to the area. It's a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration. **Have you experienced the impact of public art in your community? Share your stories and favorite pieces below!** ⬇️ #PublicArt #CommunityBuilding #SocialChange #ArtForGood #CreativeImpact