SASKATOON – For years, the city of Saskatoon has displayed public art at busy street corners throughout the city through the public art placemaker program.
They’re eye catching, thought provoking, beautifying and a great way for local artists to showcase their talent.
“I hope it will serve as a platform for potentially other projects of this kind,” said local artist Keeley Haftner.
Haftner began her career as an artist just two years ago. She will soon have a public display of her own at Idylwyld Drive and 33rd Street as the city of Saskatoon adds seven new pieces to its placemaker program.
Thirty-three artists applied to be part of the program, about half were from Saskatoon and ultimately just two of those local artists were chosen. The remainder of the pieces to be installed in the coming months are from artists based in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia and the United Kingdom.
The goal of the program is to promote Saskatoon’s culture, heritage, history and creativity – something easily accomplished in the past when every piece chosen was made in Saskatchewan.
The city believes this time, it’s important to open the program up.
“It really speaks well of Saskatoon that artists from all over the world want to be seen here,” said Kevin Kitchen, the city’s community initiatives manager.
“We want to make sure there are opportunities for artists from away just like we want to make sure our artists have opportunities outside of Saskatoon and I think that’s really important.”
The placemaker program is funded through parking meter revenues.
This installment will cost just under $30,000 with artists receiving approximately $5,000 for their pieces.
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