Local artists have the opportunity to have their work displayed as the entryway for the 2019 games. The city of Red Deer is seeking submissions for a temporary art installation that creates engaging and dynamic entryway.

Submissions will be accepted until October 2 and the chosen work will be displayed for a 2 week period at the Gary W. Harris Celebration Plaza. 

Culture Superintendent Tara O'Donnell says it would be exciting for a local to be chosen.

“We would love to see an Alberta artist or at least Alberta artists applying, or even an indigenous artist that would be really great.”

She says it is open to all artists in the country.

“It is open throughout the country but it might be an opportunity for somebody here, local to the region to have all eyes to speak on them nationally, I mean this is going to have television coverage, you’re going to have people from all over the country here in Red deer.”

The 2019 Canada Winter Games is the largest multi-sport event to be hosted in Alberta since the 1988 Olympics. It is expected to have an economic impact of more than $100 million, with over 20,000 visitors expected to visit, and up to 3,600 participants from all over Canada competing.

“To have an installation that is the entry point for a festival site is probably pretty good, that is a good gig.” Said O'Donnell.

“Concepts that are being sought are sculptural, textile, inflatable mixed media; we are really interested in things like light, movement or even sound.”

She says because it’s going to be dark at the time of year, so throughout the festival they will be using light and hopes that the submissions can use that as a theme too.