Thunder Bay’s downtown North Core is set to receive a vibrant boost as the city announces three new public art installations designed to reflect the city’s identity.
Following a national open call to artists in 2024 and a jury selection by Public Art Committee members, community representatives have selected three works — two individual artists and one team of two artists — with proposals that demonstrated creativity, cultural significance and a strong connection to Thunder Bay.
Caitlyn McMillan, cultural development and public art coordinator with the city, said the initiative represents “a huge opportunity for Thunder Bay to increase the art that exists in the city.”
“I know a lot of people think local artists should be reached only. But being able to showcase our national artists on a platform in Thunder Bay is a really wonderful opportunity for a small city like this to be put on the map,” she said.
The chosen installations are:
- boyRoland – “All Together”
- Simon Lacey – “Esox – Ginoozheg”
- Scott Eunson & Shelby Gagnon – “Thunder Bay Particles – Medicine Wheel”
McMillan emphasized the connection to the broader revitalization of the North Core district.
“That area is very much a pedestrian-friendly gathering space for arts and culture already. So it’s really going to add to that experience for everyone going downtown to experience arts and culture,” she said.
The artworks were selected for their ability to resonate with the local population and reflect Thunder Bay’s cultural heritage. McMillan says one of those pieces, “Thunder Bay Particles — Medicine Wheel,” will begin installation before the end of September.
“It actually has 212 little icons that are going to be installed into the sidewalk space. And every single one of the images in there has something to do with the local history, culture, or heritage in some sort of way,” she explained. “They’ve connected with the museum and the university to find things that connect to our local culture. And they’ve also reached out to Fort William First Nation and other elders in our community to connect to things that really resonate with the people who live here on a regular basis.”
The city has allocated $500,000 for the three projects through the city’s budget for the revitalization project as well as the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation Community Enhancement Program.
“What each artist has gotten is really dependent on what they’re presenting us, how much the materials are going to cost, how much labour that they have to put in to create the artwork and then various other things like engineering materials, making sure everything is safe,” she said.
The installations will be unveiled over the coming months. McMillan said the city anticipates all three projects will be completed by next year, followed by an official launch. She hopes the artworks provoke reflection and discussion.
“I’m really hoping that these artworks are going to continue to engage the public for years to come in terms of having them think and respond to what these artworks are,” McMillan said.
“All Together”
One of the featured artists, David Hotson, known professionally as boyRoland, described his piece “All Together” as “a three-sided sculpture” that unites the past, present and future. Each panel represents a different time period, incorporating elements such as topography, water, clouds and imagery of local flora and fauna.
Hotson says the work is inspired by the North Core project and aims to serve as a welcoming beacon for the city.
“I liked the idea of light and something that could light up and be a bit of a beacon or like a lighthouse, drawing people to this place,” he said. “I just wanted to remind people about our community here and that we are all made up of diverse individuals and we all come from different backgrounds, ages and viewpoints.”
Hotson says he hopes his art builds a positive association for people entering downtown.
“I imagine there being a time where it’s been around long enough where people moved away from Thunder Bay and they come back and they’re coming back at Christmas time to visit family, and they’re going down the street, and it’s nighttime, and it’s snowing, and there’s just this like glowing colourful representation of things that I find beautiful about our city,” he said. “I hope there is an association of home or a welcoming home to it.”
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