Alberta College of Art + Design celebrates Indigenous consultation on public art
Calgary, AB (September 21, 2017) – On Tuesday, September 26 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., representatives from Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD) attended a mural unveiling, in support of the Bow Valley Murals project at the Morley Community School in Morley, AB. The Bow Valley Murals project is a Canada 150 celebration, lead by the Town of Canmore, involving two Canadian artists, Jarus, and Jason Botkin, who will be installing murals in Morley, Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Exshaw.
“It is important that ACAD supports innovative community initiatives like this, especially a unique art project that fosters dialogue and collaboration between community members, school children and Indigenous people.”, says Dr. Daniel Doz, President + CEO of ACAD. “These murals vividly celebrate Canada 150 and also demonstrate the role public art can play in contributing to community building and understanding”.
The institution hopes that this project will inspire both artists and observers of art to expand their knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture through thoughtful observation of public art. The Bow Valley Murals Project is a reflection of the celebration of relationships between intergenerational groups, multicultural communities, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, settlers, and all who reside in the Bow Valley.
“This project strives to encourage positive, new relationships between residents and youth to break down barriers and enable us to discuss the issues about public art and Indigenous consultation at the same time ” says Dawn Saunders, Arts and Events Coordinator for the Town of Canmore.
Bow Valley Murals Project artist and ACAD alumni, Jason Botkin, expresses that there is a high level of community dialogue embedded within this project. “I’m interested in this project as a statement about Canada’s 150th anniversary”, says Botkin. “It has created a really interesting conversation about our country and a chance for reconciliation with our First Nations peoples, especially with this project here in Morley”.
In addition to the Morley event, there will be a series of public mural unveilings in Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Exshaw. In order to educate and guide youth about Indigenous consultation and the celebration of public art and several workshops lead by the artists will also be held throughout the month of September.
Times, dates and more information about the mural unveilings, youth workshops and the artists can be found at https://canmore.ca/residents/public-art/celebrate-canada-s-150th.
For more information about attending the Morley mural unveiling or for the opportunity to speak with the artists, a Bow Valley Murals Project representative or an ACAD representative, please contact us.
For media inquiries contact:
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Ellen Parker Morgan McCulloch
403.919.9452 403.479.9140 ellen@parkerpr.ca morgan@parkerpr.ca
About Alberta College of Art + Design (ACAD):
The Alberta College of Art + Design is a leading centre for education and research, and a catalyst for creative inquiry and cultural development. ACAD engages the world and create possibilities. Founded in 1926, ACAD has been a major contributor to Canada’s visual culture in the 20th century, with many of its graduates gaining significant national and international reputations as artists, designers and creative leaders. As one of only four art and design schools in the country, ACAD is the only institution in Alberta with a provincial mandate to deliver art and design education.
About the Bow Valley Murals Project:
Inspired by Canada’s 150th Celebrations there will be five murals painted across the Bow Valley, one in each of Banff, Canmore, Exshaw, Lake Louise and Morley. Two Canadian Artists, Jarus and Jason Botkin, will lead the project with youth from the five Bow Valley Communities to generate imagery inspired by stories from Elders, long-time residents and community members. The painting of these murals will take place in September and there will be various opportunities for each community to be involved.
About Jason Botkin:
A graduate from the Alberta College of Art and Design in 1997 (with honors), Botkin has been involved in the creation of over 200 murals internationally since 2009, while exhibiting in solo and group exhibitions throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. His body of work includes the co-creation and ongoing direction of the EN MASSE project http://enmasse.info/ and is a key project coordinator and international consultant for the PangeaSeed Foundation, http://www.pangeaseed.foundation/ , an organization that harnesses the power of art, science and creativity by generating awareness, stimulating dialogue, changing perceptions, and inspiring positive change around pressing ocean environmental issues. To find out more about Jason and his murals that are around the world, visit http://www.jasonbotkin.com/.
About Jarus:
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Jarus earned his degree at the Academy of Realist Art Toronto (2011). From
2011- 2017 Jarus has travelled to participate in mural programs and festivals around the world, leaving behind permanent murals in major cities as well as small communities. As a realist painter, the narrative Jarus depicts communicates a feeling that the story of individual spirit, fresh and relevant to the neighbourhood. His goal is to pursue a collaborative approach that obliterates distinctions between art and community building. His pieces are scattered throughout the walls on the streets of cities in Canada, the United States, Europe and Mexico. To find out more about his murals visit http://www.widewalls.ch/artist/young-jarus/.
