It is the policy of the City of Lethbridge to support the acquisition of public art, which is a vital ingredient in the cultural fabric of Lethbridge. Public art builds a visually rich environment, plays a role in attracting creative businesses and workers to our city, provides arts opportunities that are freely accessible to all, and encourages the growth of a culturally-informed public. Public art creates a distinct and vibrant legacy for the residents of Lethbridge.
Lethbridge is home to an impressive and ever-growing collection of public art. Artwork within the City's public art collection can be viewed online here: https://www.publicartlethbridge.ca/art/.
To take a virtual tour of the public art throughout the city, check out the following interactive maps:
Lethbridge adopted its Public Art Policy in 2007 as a framework to direct the acquisition of public art, the public art governance structure, and the management of public art collections. Funding is provided from 1% of Community Services capital projects (Section D) in each Capital Improvement Program (CIP.) The Policy also established the City of Lethbridge Art Committee as an advisory body to guide the further development of policies and guidelines.
In 2020, City Council approves changes to the Public Art Policy which include the adoption of a new "gating" process for City Council. To enable greater clarity and increase transparency, Council now approved public art projects before they are initiated. In 2021, City Council approved the Public Art Program's first Work Plan which includes information on in-progress public art projects and outlines projects to be initiated. Beyond 2021, the Public Art Program will return to Council with four-year work plans following each CIP funding allocation. The Public Art Program will also return annually to Council with reports on work completed in the previous year.
Public Art Small Projects
The City of Lethbridge enables small public art projects designed to provide Lethbridge and area artists and local organizations with opportunities to engage, enhance, and inform the community. Past and ongoing projects include utility box wrapping, construction fencing public art, and murals. Calls seeking artists for these types of projects are posted here: https://www.publicartlethbridge.ca/current-calls/.
The City's Public Art Committee is open to receiving small project proposals from local artists and non-profit organizations. To apply for funding, please submit an Expression of Interest to the City's Public Art Committee for review. Projects will be funded if aligned with City Council's Public Art Policy and as funding is available.
To request funding for a small project, please review the Expression of Interest form below or contact publicart@lethbridge.ca.
Public Art Small Projects Expression of Interest
Public Art Large Projects
All calls for submission for Public Art Large Projects are posted on the City of Lethbridge
Bid Opportunities page.
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