City calling for graffiti artists for two urban art initiatives

Aiming to help beautify and revitalize Gatineau’s downtown with more colour, the city is seeking talented local graffiti artists interested in creating a large mural surrounding Parc Saint-Bernadette in Old Hull.

According to a press release issued by the city on July 30, the project plans for the development of a large mural under the theme “Representing urban life as a beating heart” – Représentation de la vie urbaine comme un cœur qui bat – that integrates elements of community and urban life.

Noting that street art has become an integral part of Gatineau’s urban architecture, it was stated that the new 305-square-metre mural will be displayed on rue Saint-Rédempteur in front of the park.

The project’s call for proposals should remain open until August 30, while the mural is expected to be completed sometime in September.

Those interested in undertaking the task of creating the mural are invited to submit their candidacy by filling out an online registration form via the Gatineau website.

Stating that the initiative is supported through the city’s Programme de prévention et de soutien relié aux tags et aux graffitis – Graffiti and tagging-related prevention and support program – the program has helped finance 37 murals across Gatineau since 2009. 

On August 28, from 11 am to 5 pm, the city is hosting its 16th annual graffiti contest. The registration deadline for the contest is August 20.

Open to artists of all ages and skill levels with $1,000 cash prizes up for grabs, the city says 55 per cent of available spots at the contest are reserved for Gatineau residents.

Pointing to the recent explosion of urban art across Gatineau, Commission des loisirs, des sports, et du développement communautaire President and Buckingham district councillor Martin Lajeunesse said the city is proud to be in a position to support artists to do what they love while benefitting the whole community at the same time.

“In addition to beautifying our spaces, urban art reduces the cost of cleaning up illegal graffiti and increases the population’s sense of security,” Lajeunesse said in the press release.