The City of Vernon is moving to help bolster art downtown.

On Monday, March 27, Council approved the use of $15,000 to assist with a participatory public art project being facilitated by the Downtown Vernon Association this year as part of RespectFest 2017.

This project will be an ongoing legacy to commemorate Canada’s 150th Anniversary and will include a process for the public to get involved in the design. The final location of the art piece will be determined this summer and it is expected to be installed during the Respectfest 2017 celebrations in September.

Council also appointed Councilor Catherine Lord to sit on an evaluating jury for the art piece. The jury also includes a member of the DVA, a youth member and two members with ties to the arts community.

Respectfest 2017 is a celebration of diversity focusing on four themes: respecting our land and environment; honouring our indigenous history and roots; understanding our multicultural history; and recognizing the strengths that diversity brings to our community. The initiative received significant funding from the Government of Canada in celebration of Canada’s 150th Anniversary of Confederation to run numerous programs in a week-long celebration in September 2017.

More information about RespectFest can be found at respectfest2017.com.