Artists Announced for North Core Public Art Installations

The City of Thunder Bay is pleased to announce the selection of two individual artists and one artist team who are creating new public artworks as part of the North Core Streetscape Project. 

Following a competitive national Open Call to Artists in 2024, a jury of Public Art Committee members, community representatives and art professionals selected three proposals that reflect creativity, cultural significance, and a strong connection to place. 

The selected artists and installations are:

• boyRoland [All Together] - Court Street Plaza (north-west corner of Court Street North and Red River Road)
• Simon Lacey [Esox - Ginoozheg] - Mall Street Plaza (between Red River Road and Park Street)
• Scott Eunson & Shelby Gagnon [Thunder Bay Particles – Medicine Wheel] - St. Paul Street to Cumberland Street Plaza (north side, from Cumberland Street to St. Paul Street)

 These public artworks will contribute to the revitalization of Thunder Bay’s North Core by enhancing public space with meaningful and engaging visual storytelling. Each installation was selected for its ability to reflect local identity, promote community inclusion, and enrich the experience of the area for residents and visitors alike. 

“The selected artists bring diverse perspectives and bold visions to the project,” said Laurie Abthorpe, Supervisor Cultural Development, Community Programming and Events. “We’re especially proud to see local artists and collaborations represented. Their work will help anchor these spaces and spark connection within the community.” 

Installation of the artworks will begin as soon as this week and into the coming months, coinciding with major streetscape improvements currently nearing completion in the North Core. The North Core Street Scape project aims to transform the area into a flexible, dynamic, and people-first urban environment. 

A total of $500,000 has been allocated for all three public art installations, with funding support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Community Enhancement Program. 

To learn more about the North Core Streetscape Project and public art initiatives, visit www.thunderbay.ca/publicart.

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