The Saint John Community Arts Board invites local artists to apply for the 2024 Art Bank Program and showcase their art in public spaces.
Calling All Creatives
The Saint John Community Arts Board has issued an invitation to local artists, offering a unique opportunity to have their work showcased across the city's public venues. Renowned for its picturesque vistas and historic charm, Saint John is also a hub for artistic talent, supporting a vibrant community of creatives.
About the Art Bank Program
The Art Bank Program aims to enhance the cultural fabric of Saint John by purchasing and displaying artworks from local talents in public offices and communal areas.This initiative enhances these spaces while also boosting the visibility and careers of local artists. Artworks from celebrated Saint John artists like Miller Brittain, Fred Ross, and Herzl Kashetsky, among others, are currently displayed at prominent locations including City Hall, the Saint John Arts Centre, Market Square, and the Saint John Free Public Library.
Submission Criteria
Open to all Saint John-based artists, from budding newcomers to seasoned professionals, the Saint John Art Bank Program in 2024 encourages submissions of one artwork per artist or artist representative. Acceptable submissions include paintings, sculptures, limited edition prints and photographs, drawings, fine crafts, mixed media, and more. Artworks must be created by a living artist within the last five years and be suitable for public display. All submissions should be in excellent condition and free from legal encumbrances.
Selection Process
Submissions will be assessed for artistic merit, relevance, and feasibility, with artistic merit comprising 50% of the evaluation. The program, dedicated to diversity and inclusivity, gives priority to submissions from artists identifying as Indigenous, Black, racialized, Deaf, disabled, from official language minority communities, youth, 2SLGBTQ, gender-diverse, and women. Artists not currently featured in the city’s Art Bank collection will receive special consideration. Furthermore, the program seeks pieces that mirror current or emerging artistic trends and are practical in terms of price, size, and durability for public display.
Application Instructions
Artists interested in applying must prepare an email submission that includes details about the artwork, an artist statement, a biography, and images of the piece. Submissions should be sent to artsandculture@saintjohn.ca with "ART BANK" and the artist's name in the subject line by December 19, 2024.
This call to artists represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the cultural legacy of Saint John while gaining recognition and support for their work. For further details or inquiries, contact Kay Kanyandula at artsandculture@saintjohn.ca or call 506-658-4455.
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