By Mark Squibb / June 16, 2023
While many municipalities are looking for a means to clamp down on graffiti, the City of Mount Pearl is encouraging it — in a limited fashion at least.
The City is hosting a Street Art Contest from July 15 to 16 in which artists will have an opportunity to beautify the Ruth Avenue tunnels.
“I think this is a great way to promote street art in a way that beautifies our city,” said councillor Chelsea Lane, who brought forward the motion to approve the contest during this week’s public meeting. “You often hear about people who are doing graffiti, which is illegal street art, but this is an opportunity for people to use the tunnels as a creative outlet and create beautiful murals to beautify the tunnels and our city. So, I think this is absolutely a positive thing, and I cannot wait to see the tunnels when they are done.”
Those wishing to participate must submit an art sample and accompanying submission form via the City’s website by July 5. Successful applicants will be notified shortly thereafter.
“Artists will have from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day to complete their murals,” said Lane. “After 5 p.m., each day the tunnels will be closed, and artists will not be permitted to continue their work. In the case of severe weather, the contest may be rescheduled.”
The City will provide supplies for the contest, and art containing depictions of nudity, foul language, bloody or gory imagery, discriminatory content, or drugs and alcohol will be prohibited.
