The City of Brantford is inviting members of the community to take part in a public art project.
City councilors unanimously supported a proposal by staff to transform the graffiti-laden interior panels of the TH&B Crossing Bridge into a work of art.
“As a key part of the city’s infrastructure and an historical landmark that spans over the picturesque Grand River, the TH&B Crossing Bridge is a fixture within the city’s landscape that has the opportunity to be a bold and beautiful artistic statement,” said Heather Carvalho, manager of communications and community engagement. “Disappointedly, in recent years the TH&B Crossing Bridge has been a primary target of vandalism, mainly undesirable graffiti that, in some cases, is inappropriate and/or offensive.”
Formerly a Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway bridge carrying freight and passenger trains, it is frequently used by pedestrians and cyclists, and is part of the city’s trail network.
Minor rehabilitation of the bridge deck is slated for the coming months to extend its service life.
Carvalho said individuals, local organizations and community groups are invited to submit art designs for up to five of the 112 interior bridge panels.
Each panel available for painting measures approximately 7 to 8 feet wide by 4.4 feet high.
Design submissions are to depict local culture, history, events, destinations and people, and will be accepted until 4:30 pm on August 31, 2022.
A team of City staff will review the entries, and successful candidates will be given art supplies to carry out the work.
“I think that any opportunity we have to beautify the community with art is a good one,” said Ana Olson, gallery director at the Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant. “It’s an example of things we could do more of, revitalizing the downtown and beautifying vandalism by including artists in the solution.”
Olson noted that a project like this is an opportunity for young artists to get their name out there.
“To say you’re part of a public art piece and a community project like this is a really great stepping stone for young people trying to get into the creative industry, and trying to become an artist with a reputation in public art,” she observed. “It opens that door for people to get their foot in.”
Four years ago, the Grand Exhibit resulted in the installation of replicas of a number of paintings from the Glenhyrst permanent collection, at various outdoor locations throughout the city.
“That’s been such a great project, we’ve heard so much great feedback about that,” said the gallery director. “It’s about finding creative ways to beautify the city without a lot of cost.”
For more information about the project visit Brantford.ca/THBPublicArt