The cool places to be

Some streets in St. Boniface are looking pretty cool at the moment.

La Maison des artistes francophones (MDA) recently launched a call to artists for the submission of proposals for an urban art project called Cool Streets 2017.

"The project is to celebrate Canada 150 and the Canada Summer Games by making temporary street improvements with art," said Stéphane Dorge, the project’s co-ordinator, noting that he has been inspired by seeing art at various pedestrian crossings when travelling to other cities, including Victoria last summer.  

According to Dorge, the winning artists who were busy recently installing their winning entries at various sites in St. Boniface include: Sophie Dumontier and Nicolas Audette from Festival du Voyageur — Provencher Boulevard and Aulneau Street; Cloyd Barth, a Glenlawn Collegiate art instructor with two of his students, Elli and Shanelle St. Hilaire — Provencher Boulevard and Tache Avenue; Ilana Pichon — Aulneau Street and avenue de la Cathédrale; Lani Zastre — avenue de la Cathédrale at Chez Nous Inc. and avenue de la Cathédrale at Ecole Henri-Bergeron; and Evan Taylor and Nicole Flynn — Marion Street and Tache Avenue.

There is also a site in Fort Garry at the intersection of Pembina Highway, Bison Drive and Chancellor Matheson Drive that will be completed by Anders Swanson in mid-July.

"The whole point is to try and get the community involved to talk about what possible to improve things for all road-users, and getting artists to think critically about our built space. People get into cars and go from A to B, and we often don’t really think about the impact our roads have in our public space. Our roads are definitely part of our community," Dorge said.

The St. Boniface resident said the project has received a "barrage of praise" since the artists — who faced the logistical challenge of rain on more than one of the scheduled installation days — completed their masterpieces on June 25.

"I think it’s been well-received because nothing quite like it has been done in Winnipeg before. Based on the comments, people have been super happy to see the installations and have loved seeing colour added to the mundaneness of the streets. We don’t want the colours to be grey and blend in. The whole idea is for them to stand out. People have been honking horns, bus drivers have been shouting ‘keep it up’ and residents have been walking up and down to check them out."

Dorge said the installations were done with survey marking paint and should last two to six months, depending on traffic wear-and-tear and the elements.

Talking about Ilana Pichon’s installation at Aulneau Street and avenue de la Cathédrale, Dorge said he had already noticed an added safety element in the days since the installation appeared.

"The goal is to talk about how our streets as a public space are fluid, not fixed, and can enhance community well-being and public safety. Here, I’ve noticed how the stop sign compliance has been improved. Before, because of the radius of the intersection, people were rolling through it more."

Pichon, who is from Quebec City, said she enjoyed working on her installation, which was inspired by various themes including travelling, and nature landscapes.

"It seemed like a very busy intersection when I was working on it," Pichon said.

"It’s interesting when people can see you working, and you have knowledge of your tools and equipment, as this allows people to ask questions and interact. I like the dynamics of working outside."

Dumontier, who lives in St. Boniface, said it was a fun experience, and it was the first time she had worked on such a large-scale project. Her installation takes the form of a giant sash, and the different patterns represent the various French communities in Manitoba.

"The different representations include the French-African community, the Métis symbol, the Maple Leaf, the Franco-Manitoban flag, and the fleur-de-lys," Dumontier said.

"It feels really to be able to do this. At certain moments, it was challenging because of the rain, but it’s all worth it when you see the final piece. This project is a great opportunity for young artists, as there’s so much talent in Winnipeg and in the French community. There’s been so much support, which is great."  

Dorge acknowledges the support of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Caisse Financial Group, ATS Traffic, Norwood Grove BIZ, Provencher Blvd. BIZ, and area councillors Matt Allard and Janice Lukes.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com