COQUITLAM, B.C., June 6, 2024 – The City of Coquitlam will soon be featuring the work of local artists in select community recreation centres.
Applications are now open for the City’s Visual Arts Exhibition pilot program, which will install art in community spaces from September 2024 to January 2025. Artwork will be displayed at Maillardville Community Centre (1200 Cartier Avenue) and the new Town Centre Park Community Centre (1207 Pinetree Way).
This pilot program showcases the talents of local artists, promotes dialogue and cultural awareness by integrating more art into the community, and aligns with Coquitlam’s Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategic Plan (2015-2030).
Exhibition Requirements
This year's exhibition themes, "Inclusion” and “Growth," support the City’s commitment to fostering equity, diversity and inclusion. The Visual Arts Exhibition welcomes both emerging talents and seasoned professionals, aged 16 and up, who are not currently represented by a professional gallery. Artists working with the following two-dimensional mediums are encouraged to submit an application:
- Paintings
- Drawings
- Photographs
- Collages
- Prints
Artists can apply online or via mail by Wednesday, July 3, 11:59 p.m. Find complete entry details and an application form at coquitlam.ca/ArtExhibition.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee, made up of members from the City of Coquitlam Culture Services Advisory Committee, will evaluate each submission. Artists are encouraged to showcase their distinctive voices through captivating materials, innovative techniques, and unique subject matter. The application and artwork must adhere to the following criteria:
- Be original two-dimensional artwork.
- Be aligned with one of the themes for 2024: “Inclusion” or “Growth”.
- Be appropriate for display in public spaces and suitable for all audiences.
Selected artists or artist groups will receive the following benefits:
- Artwork showcased in either Maillardville Community Centre or Town Centre Park Community Centre.
- Opportunity to build exhibition experience and reach a broader audience.
- Recognition at an exhibit reception.
- Promotion on the City website and social media channels.
About the Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategic Plan
Adopted in 2017, the Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategic Plan (ACHSP) provides an overarching vision and strategic planning framework to guide the City and its partners in organizing, coordinating and prioritizing cultural programs and services to meet current and future community needs.
Learn more about the plan at coquitlam.ca/ACHSP.
About Maillardville Community Centre
Maillardville Community Centre, located at 1200 Cartier Avenue, offers a wide range of activities and programs for preschoolers, children, youth, adults and seniors in an accessible, inclusive space. The 22,000 square foot facility features the City's first dedicated gymnasium, a children’s program area with large covered outdoor space, multipurpose rooms, a sprung-floor active studio, a teaching kitchen and much more. Available programs include sports drop-ins, fitness classes, cooking classes, social activities, birthday parties and more. Learn more by dropping in or visiting coquitlam.ca/MCC.
About Town Centre Park Community Centre
Town Centre Park Community Centre, located at 1207 Pinetree Way, is a unique community space for Coquitlam. Set of the west side of Lafarge Lake, visitors can relax in the community living room, grab a coffee at the onsite café (opening summer 2024), study in one of the open spaces, or join an activity or program to learn something new. The facility offers a range of programming focused on arts, culture and nature for preschoolers, children, youth, adults and seniors. Learn more by dropping in or visiting coquitlam.ca/TCPCC.
Get the Latest News on Coquitlam Parks, Recreation and Culture
Media contact:
Karen Basi
Culture Services Manager
604-927-6962
prcs_info@coquitlam.ca
We acknowledge with gratitude and respect that the name Coquitlam was derived from the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (HUN-kuh-MEE-num) word kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (kwee-KWET-lum) meaning “Red Fish Up the River”. The City is honoured to be located on the kʷikʷəƛ̓əm traditional and ancestral lands, including those parts that were historically shared with the q̓ic̓əy̓ (kat-zee), and other Coast Salish Peoples.