An art show of a different kind is on display in Calgary.
And it’s not what’s on display that’s unusual so much as where it’s being displayed.
Works produced by local artists are being showcased in less-traditional venues, like LRT stations, bus shelters, telephone poles and roadside billboards.
“This is a show that’s dispersed all throughout Calgary – it’s an exhibition of public art that’s outside of gallery spaces,” said Steven Cottingham, curator of the Calgary Biennial.
Some of the spaces are “less sanctioned”, added Cottingham.
“For me this show is all about using art as a tool of social justice and a way to communicate with a broader public audience.”
The show is designed to “challenge conservative status quos”.
Local artists appreciate the opportunity to show their work – even if it’s on fences and billboards.
“Putting it out there – letting it be seen – and I was really excited about it. I was just like yeah, let’s kind of.. bam.. put it out there,” said local artists Brittney Bear Hat.
“The idea of a billboard that’s normally trying to sell something – here I’m trying to sell an idea people may not understand,” said artist Dick Averns.
Support from anonymous sponsors and The Alberta Foundation for the Arts helps cover the cost of advertising space.
The art will be on display until March.
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