Expect more public art this summer in Uptown Saint John.
The Saint John Arts Centre is raising funds to hire mural artist UBER5000 to come and paint three of its exterior walls.
Executive director Andrew Kierstead says the artist will give demonstrations and artist talks throughout the painting process. He says this aligns with the centre’s mission.
“The Saint John Arts Centre advances the culture and the economy of Saint John by providing critical infrastructure for the growth and development of the arts. The Arts Centre strengthens our community by fostering connections and collaboration locally and beyond,” he said in a presentation to city council last Monday.
UBER5000 is from the Maritimes, and was recently hired by the Province of New Brunswick to paint a mural in Toronto promoting New Brunswick tourism.
The project will cost $32,000. They are hoping to raise the funds by June. Once complete, the Arts Centre will be responsible for the upkeep of the mural.
Kierstead says the mural is a way to celebrate the Centre’s new partnership with NBCCD.
The mural will have a multitude of benefits not only for the Centre but for the community including advancing tourism, branding the Centre and its location, and providing arts education as people watch the artist at work.
Councillor Donna Reardon is excited for the project, and says Saint John needs more public art.
“I’m all about public art, I just love that it…gives us a vibrancy and a dynamic feel. It’s good for our own moral, and its great for attracting visitors,” she said.
