Windsor will look at shaking up outdoor art exhibit with new pieces

Art Windsor-Essex wants to switch up the locations and pieces that people can stumble upon across the southwestern Ontario city. 

Executive director Jennifer Matotek is pitching a plan to extend and expand the Look Again! Outside exhibit, which sees dozens of framed artistic reproductions placed in public spaces. 

"We've gotten really good feedback and they're still in excellent condition," said Matotek, speaking before city council's community services committee on Wednesday. 

"We're committed to keeping things fresh."

The temporary exhibition first launched in 2021 with eight framed reproduction artworks popping up downtown. That's grown to more than 50 pieces across Windsor and Amherstburg as of 2023.

"We sincerely hope that the city is amenable to keeping these artwork reproductions in Windsor BIAs on display for another year," said Matotek.

Each piece contains a small label that gives information on the work, the artist and its context. 

The pitch, supported by the committee but yet to be approved by council, includes a request to move pieces in Sandwich Towne to Patterson Park during construction 

The AWE is also asking the city to waive permit fees totalling $8,525.

"I know my four BIAs are all very excited that this is hopefully going to continue," said Ward 4 Coun. Mark McKenzie. 

"The only complaint is that people would like them bigger."

Matotek said it's a balancing act.

"For the first round we're really committed to keeping the scale of the artwork to if you actually saw them in the gallery. But we're experimenting as time goes on," she said.

The pitch will move to council for final approval.