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The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine is planning to bring colour to communities

District hopes to commission three murals
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Smithers’ artist Facundo Gastia designed and helped paint the first mural on the corner of Park Ave. and Emerson St. in Terrace as part of the 2019 Skeena Salmon Art Festival. (Natalia Balcerzak)

The Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine (RKDS) is offering to pay for commissioned murals for communities in in its coverage area to celebrate a local achievement or milestone.

“We figured in this post-COVID time, it might be nice for communities to have something new and exciting that’s a little bit more refreshing,” said Maggie Hall, RDKS economic development officer.

Societies, non-profits, associations and community groups anywhere in the district can send a one-page document to the economic development commission expressing interest.

The district asks that this submission include where the mural would be located and what achievement or milestone is being commemorated. Submissions should also mention what makes that community a good place for a mural. If the district likes the idea, it will pay for an artist to complete the mural.

The economic development commission’s strategic plan calls for murals and beautification, which according to Hall have not been done by the district in the last couple years.

Hall said that she is hoping to do three murals, but it will depend on the level of interest in the project.

An artist has not been selected yet – the district is waiting to see which communities express interest in the project. There is no set date for the completion of the murals.

The district says that there is grant funding it can use to support beautification, but a detailed budget would depend on the individual project. If required, funds can be taken from the economic development budget.

“We’re really excited about it, I think it’ll be a really good opportunity for folks in the community to focus on something that’s not COVID related for a little bit,” said Hall.

“I think it’ll be a good project, I’m looking forward to it.”

Submissions are to be emailed to ecdev@rkds.bc.ca by July 15, 2020.

READ MORE: Five murals to be painted in Terrace this summer


@BenBogstie
ben.bogstie@terracestandard.com

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