The Mimico Residents Association, Lakeshore Arts, and the Bell Boxes Murals Project, with generous support from Councillor Grimes, have teamed up to spearhead a mural painting project for Bell Canada boxes in the Mimico area.
The project will see eight boxes professionally painted by local artists on various colourful themes. There is a $500 payment for the successful applicants in exchange for their painting work. Murals will be painted the third week of September.
Artists from Mimico and beyond are invited to indicate their interest in the project as soon as possible by emailing mimicomurals@gmail.com whereupon they will receive a detailed package of submission requirements.
After the application deadline, Monday August 7, a jury panel will adjudicate the submissions based on four distinct criteria: 1. artist’s connection to Mimico; 2. Experience painting on outdoor surfaces; 3. portfolio of past work; and 4. a concept or sketch of the mural.
Past Bell Box Mural projects have transformed over 200 of these boring metal fixtures into works of art throughout Toronto (including, most recently, Parkdale, North Etobicoke, Liberty Village and the East End) as well as smaller towns in Ontario and Quebec. The painted boxes beautify neighbourhoods and business areas, bringing a wide variety of engaging art to the streetscape and often reflecting local culture and history. Local residents often take ‘ownership’ of the boxes and enjoy meeting the artists, while the presence of the murals significantly reduces instances of graffiti.
When we learned of the Bell Box Mural Project, we knew we had to bring this to Mimico. It’s such a fantastic medium for artists to express themselves and a way to have their work viewed every day by the community. We’re really excited to see the submissions and how artists envision transforming the bell boxes in Mimico.
– Chris Moore, President, Mimico Residents Association
The Bell Boxes Murals Project is an innovative collaboration between community organizations, local artists and local governments that benefits all members of the community. More info and examples at: www.facebook.com/bellboxmuralsproject/
The Mimico Bell box murals are a partnership between Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor Mark Grimes, The City of Toronto, Bell Canada, Lakeshore Arts and the Mimico Residents Association. Paint will be donated by Benjamin Moore Paint.
Press contact: info@mimicoresidents.ca