Deputy Mayor James Leduc admits he never thought of Bradford West Gwillimbury as an arts hub.
Sports, yes. Agriculture and industry, yes. But the arts?
Thanks to several initiatives, including the new Art Contest 2018, the town is well on its way to becoming a place that celebrates Bradford artists, he said.
The art contest, which closes June 29, comes with a $500 prize and the winning artwork depicting the community using any artistic medium will be reprinted for use on town souvenirs and gifts.
“We’re going to use our local artists that are out there, instead of trinkets. It’s just a great opportunity for our community,” said Leduc.
“We think this delivers a better message. It focuses on our artists. Any artist that wins this will have their artwork go out all over the world. It’s a great way to push our arts and culture community.”
The town’s Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, which is behind the new contest, has also started programs to purchase local artwork for display in municipal buildings and include more arts and culture at town events, and hired consulting firm MDB Insight to work on a Bradford masterplan for creating opportunities for youth and local artists in the coming decades.
“We have so many arts people in our community – it’s great!” said Leduc.
For more information on Art Contest 2018, visit www.townofbwg.com/ArtContest. To contact the committee, email [email protected].
