The Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus are excited to announce a partnership project in the creation of public art that will be displayed on the Ridgetown campus. The project is made possible through funds from Hydro One specifically targeted to recreation, art, and culture projects. Ridgetown Campus will also contribute to the program in support of enhancing the student experience on campus.
This initiative reflects the Mayor's and Councillor Wright's commitment to the arts and the importance of public art in creating a sense of community and place. "Public art has the power to inspire, engage, and connect people in ways that transcend language, culture, and background," said Mayor Darrin Canniff. "It is a reflection of our community's values, culture, and identity, and serves as a visual reminder of our shared experiences and aspirations. We are excited to work with University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus students to create a meaningful and unique public art piece that celebrates life-long learning and the campus’ continued leadership in our agriculture community."
The project with Ridgetown Campus is an opportunity to engage students in diploma, certificate, apprenticeship, and post-graduate studies. The selected projects will reflect the inclusive and one-of-a-kind experience of being a student at the Ridgetown Campus. “Ridgetown Campus delivers a unique experience for students - we are a small campus that offers world-class programs. This exciting initiative provides students to leave a legacy and shape the campus for students today and into the future. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, expressing our plant, animal, environmental, and sustainability achievements through public art is a perfect way to build awareness of our campus and fulfill our promise to improve the world growing around us,” says Brett Shepherd, Director, Ridgetown Campus.
The public art piece will be a permanent installation for the community to enjoy. The project is expected to begin with the design phase in fall 2023.
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Contact:
Brett Shepherd
Director
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
519-674-1500 ext.63545
Brett.shepherd@uoguelph.ca
Media Contact:
Amy Wilcox
Manager, Corporate Initiatives & Communications
Municipality of Chatham-Kent
519-360-1998 x 3055
amyw@chatham-kent.ca