The city is looking for a local artist to design an original artwork for a vinyl wrap to be installed across two sets of roll shutters at Fee Simple Law downtown, historically known as Bell’s Welding.
This wrap will launch a new public art pilot aimed at transforming security infrastructure into vibrant urban canvases.
Artists are invited to submit an Expression of Interest, showcasing their experience and a short proposal describing how they would approach this unique site-responsive project.
Artwork designs are not required at this stage. The selected artist will be commissioned to develop a final design, which will be printed on vinyl and installed by City contractors this year.
As roll shutters become a common feature in urban spaces, this pilot program sees their visibility after business hours as a creative opportunity. Vinyl wraps can extend shutter life, deter graffiti and contribute to a more engaging streetscape.
This initiative aims to demonstrate the potential of shutter wraps, as temporary public art installations with a lifespan of approximately three to five years.
If successful, the pilot may expand to include additional locations in the future.
Artists are encouraged to reference the site’s architectural features and the surrounding geography as inspiration.
Public Art Coordinator KT Wilde says the idea is when one door closes after business hours at night, a window opens. “In this case, it’s a window into art.”
“This is an opportunity to have a reason to also come downtown and be present on the streets and take in culture,” adds Wilde.
As part of the City’s public art goals, Wilde explains, the project is by Lethbridge and for Lethbridge. “Although, visitors will really enjoy it too. People go to cities to see things. I’ve heard from random citizens how they will look up what murals there are and things they can walk around and see, they don’t have to necessarily schedule. It’s a real attracting feature.”
Deadline for the expression of interest is June 10. For more information on public art opportunities in Lethbridge or to express interest in future projects visit online at publicartlethbridge.ca.
