Vanier and Montreal Road Public Art Plan

Public Art is coming to Vanier. As part of the Vanier + Montreal Road Public Art Plan, the City of Ottawa is commissioning a gateway artwork for the corner of Montreal Road and North River Road. See location here.

Four (4) artists have been shortlisted to submit proposals to design, fabricate and install a permanent artwork that will be the gateway into the Vanier neighbourhood, but only one will be selected.

We are offering a preview of the four (4) proposals and asking for input. What artwork should be Vanier's Gateway?

View the proposals and vote through the online survey.

Survey is open from November 9 to 21.

Developed by Rebecca Carbin of ART + PUBLIC UnLtd, the public art plan is rooted in conversations with community and presents a holistic, forward-thinking strategy for public art in Vanier. The Public Art Plan aims to reflect the communities’ unique character and diversity through innovative public art initiatives. Based on key findings from community engagement the Public Art Plan lays out public art opportunities and recommendations for implementation.

The Public Art Program will consider these recommendations when offering opportunities to artists for integrating with revitalization projects and by working in partnership with community and business partners.

The Public Art Program will be intermittently rolling out multiple public art commissions with considerations to the Vanier + Montreal Road Public Art Plan. This includes a major Gateway for the community of Vanier.

Vanier + Montreal Road Public Art Plan (accessible version)

The development of the Public Art Plan and upcoming Vanier + Montreal Road Public Art Project is funded by the City of Ottawa Public Art Policy that sets aside one percent of eligible municipal construction budgets for public art. This important part of city planning can spark neighborhood revitalization and adds distinctive character and identity to a space.

For more information and updates email publicartprogram@ottawa.ca or follow @publicartottawa on social media.

The City of Ottawa is pleased to announce the commission of a new public art piece for the neighborhood of Vanier. The artwork by the international group StudioKCA entitled Rideau will act as the gateway entrance to Vanier at the Southeast intersection of Montreal Rd and North River Rd. This iconic artwork will support Vanier’s stance as a creative and resilient neighbourhood with a uniquely diverse community.

The metal structure depicts a large curtain blowing in the wind, while the outline of the curtain is molded after the pattern of the winding Rideau River, and the integrated lighting will illuminate the structure for a brilliant effect.

The artwork was selected through a two-stage public art competition process. The selection committee was comprised of residents, local business owners, and art industry specialists who considered the unique past, present, and future of Vanier in their decision-making.

The artwork will be open to the public in summer 2023. For more information, please contact publicartprogram@ottawa.ca.

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