A City committee has been presented with a report from Interim Museum Coordinator Amelia D'Amato advocating the continuance of the downtown art project.
She wants Elliot Lake to provide additional banners and hardware to be installed in the downtown area in 2021.
Her report goes before the Rec and Culture Standing Committee at its planned virtual meeting Monday night at 6:30 p.m
D'Amato recommends the work be done under the guidance of Rec and Culture staff and the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and the needed $9,000 be taken from the Rec and Culture Department operating budgets for contracted services, to pay for it.
D'Amato's report notes that the project began early in 2020 "with the purpose of beautifying the downtown area of Elliot Lake as well as showcasing local artists."
"This project was spearheaded by a subcommittee of the Elliot Lake Arts and Culture Advisory committee, with originating members: Fran Perkins, Linda Finn, Julie Merk, Barb Hukezalie, Jay Smith, Claire Nolan," the report notes.
"In February of 2020, guidelines for the project were established along with a template for the banner design, and a theme: 'Our Town—past, present or future.'
"This topic was broad enough to give lots of scope for creativity to the artists, but specific enough to include everything from history, to leisure activities, to what the future might be like in Elliot Lake.
"In May, a call for entry was made public and submissions were accepted with a deadline of June 15, 2020."
Elliot Lake Public Works indicated that there were 19 lamp posts along Ontario Avenue which could accommodate banners with another18 posts along Highway 108 that could accommodate larger banners for a total of 37.
The banners were displayed in the downtown area until November last year.
D'Amato concluded, "This project was met with much success, good public reception, and feedback, and accomplished its purpose of beautifying the downtown area of Elliot Lake and giving local artists a platform with which to display their talents."
She recommends the creation of another 41 banners to accompany the 37 produced last year.
If approved, the committee's recommendation would go forward go City Council.