Richmond council is hoping to brighten up the Alexandra Greenway, just north of the Garden City Lands, with a budget of $50,000.
The city is calling local visual artists to submit applications to design a 2D piece of art for the greenway, as part of Richmond’s public art program.
That artwork would be integrated into the asphalt paving of the car-free, multi-use corridor that runs along May Drive, between Alexandra Road and Alderbridge Way. The work will incorporate reflective markings to help with visibility and travel.
“Public art in this location will help animate a safe and multi-use path and make it more engaging,” reads a city report.
Artwork for the greenway would need to incorporate a theme set by the city, reflecting, for example, Richmond’s history and natural ecology.
Of the total proposed budget for the work, $5,000 has been set aside for the artist’s fee.
The remaining $45,000 will go towards implementation expenses incurred during the work, including production, installation or taxes.
The Alexandra Greenway will also feature a planted roundabout, new tree plantings and natural storm-water management system.
The money will come from the city’s public art reserve, which comes from developer funding.
Once an artist and design has been selected, the proposed art will be brought to council for endorsement, likely this spring, with work to take place over the summer.
The Alexandra Greenway public art project and its $50,000 budget will be on the parks, recreation and cultural services committee agenda on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The city will also be voting on the 2020 work plan for the public art advisory committee, which includes raising awareness and understanding of public art, and recommending projects to council.
Richmond first adopted a public art program policy in 1997. Since then, Richmond’s public art collection has grown to 273 works, with 192 currently on display around the city.
