Pelham Art Advisory Committee

Els Swart - Vice Chair

As a long time Artist and resident of Pelham, I joined the Public Art Committee to be involved in the decision making process to beautify the Town of Pelham with Art.

Barbara Rybiak - Member

It is an honour, a privilege and a pleasure to serve on the Pelham Public Arts Committee supporting all the Arts found in Pelham – dance, dramatic, musical, visual, spoken word, written word – and to engage in this important public discourse with the artistic community and the community at large. I believe in preserving the beauty found in the natural settings of Pelham, yet can envision certain installations and events safely complementing the natural features found in our beautiful Town of Pelham as we move forward. The MCC is an excellent setting for this: celebrating not only our Town’s sports achievements, but also the extensive artistic talent found here. Listening to the piano at the MCC is one example of simple joy Pelham has to offer.

Colleen Kenyon - Member 

Art is a form of expression, and a means of connection. As a member of PAAC, I look forward to playing a part in providing opportunities for artists to create, and expanding the space, resources and appreciation given to visual and performance arts in our community.

Catharine Carr - Member

Darren Keay - Member

Mary Powley - Member

• To advise staff regarding the implementation of the Cultural Master Plan and Pelham Public Art Master Plan for the Town of Pelham.
• To provide a forum for groups and organizations interested in preserving and/or promoting arts and cultural resources.
• To conduct advocacy on behalf of Pelham arts and cultural communities.
• To provide advice and guidance on the implementation of Pelham’s municipal arts and cultural policies and by-laws and other corporate policies that may affect arts and culture.
• To advise on ways to increase the commitment to, and further public understanding of, arts and culture issues.
• To provide advice and guidance on the success of Pelham’s arts and culture funding, development, facility, community and public arts, and cultural activity and initiatives, and recommend changes as required.
• To report to Pelham Town Council on the state of the arts and culture in Pelham and resulting social, quality-of-life and economic impacts
• Consider issues, new trends and future needs related to the delivery of arts and cultural programming in Pelham
• To monitor funding opportunities for arts initiatives and programs and encourage the Town or other eligible agencies to apply for funding and provide input on funding applications.
• Continue to review and develop Pelham Cultural Master Plan and Pelham’s Public Art Master Plan

Download the Committees 2018 - 2022 Strategic Plan

Thank you to all artists who were part of the Canada Day event. 

Open Call for Canada Day Outdoor Temporary Art Installations:

The Town of Pelham Canada Day Planning group is preparing to provide safe alternatives for an interactive Canada Day 2021. The Planning group and the Pelham Art Advisory Committee are welcoming applications for outdoor temporary art installations. These installations will be on display from June 30 – July 2 and will be part of an interactive virtual scavenger hunt. These pieces will engage the public through the following theme:

• What it means to be Canadian

Proposals can include, but are not limited to: shadow structures; outdoor photo installations; murals; literary displays; temporary sculpture; outdoor textiles; fence art; storytelling installations; musical or theatre renditions that are available virtually etc.  

Eligibility

Applicants must be from the Niagara Region. Priority will be given to artists who are Pelham residents. Applicants must be 18 years or older or have parent/guardian consent. Persons with disabilities, visible minorities and Indigenous Artists are encouraged to apply.

Original Work:
The artist must guarantee that the artwork is original and does not violate the copyright of any other person or entity.

Content Requirements:
Although explicit content is generally accepted in an art context, the public nature of this open call hinders some creative freedom in that respect. Content should be both suitable and relevant for presentation in a highly visible public space that is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. For this reason, the content guidelines have been established, which are; explicit use of alcohol, smoking, and illegal drugs, horror, offensive language, nudity, sexual activity and/or violence will not be considered appropriate. 

Selection Process

• Submitted applications will be reviewed and selected by the Pelham Art Advisory Committee.
• Applicants are welcome to submit more than one application.
• Applicants are required to submit maximum of 5 images that reflect the applicants portfolio, to jshishkov@pelham.ca by May 19, 2021
• Successful applicants will be provided a material and artist fee for their temporary installation
• Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Schedule

• Application Deadline: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 by 12:00 p.m.
• Result Announcements: Monday, May 31, 2021 
• Installation period: June 30 – July 2, 2021

 Terms and conditions

• The applicant remains the owner of the installation, and is required to install and remove on the highlighted days
• Due to the ongoing covid-19 pandemic, artists are required to install their art display on Wednesday June 30, and take their display down on Friday July 2. Should restrictions change to a stay at home order artists will be asked to submit a digital copy of their installation for a virtual hunt.
• The Town of Pelham is not responsible for any damages that may occur while the installation is installed or on display.
•  As part of the Canada Day celebrations, we welcome all levels of experience and mediums to submit an application

Open Call - Temporary Outdoor Art Installation Artist Application

The Art Advisory Committee is calling all artists to exhibit their work at the new Meridian Community Centre. The Community Centre has two locations to display artwork;

- Main Atrium in the Meridian Community Centre

- Second Floor Outside of the Dr. Gary & Mall Accursi Room

How to Apply:

1) Fill out a rental application form below:

Meridian Community Centre ATRIUM- Art Exhibit Rental Form

Meridian Community Centre SECOND FLOOR - Art Exhibit Rental Form

2) The Town of Pelham Art Advisory Committee reviews applications at their monthly meetings. Please allow 30 days for review and notification.

3) A Town of Pelham staff member will be in contact should your application be approved to move forward. 

4) A checklist for artists will be provided once your application has been approved