April 02, 2019
Saint John, NB April 2, 2019: Discover Saint John is thrilled to announce the artists chosen to expand their wildly-popular Salmon Run public art initiative in 2019. These artists responded to the organization’s call for submissions to paint or adorn composite salmon sculptures that will be displayed in prominent locations around the city later this spring.
The 2019 participating artists are:
“The Salmon Run is a favourite of locals and visitors helping to bolster our vibrant uptown core with the unexpected,” says Victoria Clarke, Executive Director of Discover Saint John. “Our city is developing a reputation as the go-to arts and cultural destination in the province and we have had artists from all over New Brunswick reach out wanting to be part of that momentum.”
The 2019 call for submissions received responses from over 30 artists with over 40 submissions.
“Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry this year. We have seen the popularity of Salmon Run grow year-over-year -- with artists and the public -- so we are adding 11 sculptures this year bringing the overall collection to 21 for the public to enjoy,” says Clarke.
2019 is also the International Year of the Salmon.
The International Year of the Salmon is a five-year outreach and research initiative of the North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC) and the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO), with a focal year in 2019. It aims to raise public awareness, gather stakeholders, stimulate science, and inspire action to protect salmon.
“We are delighted that our third installation aligns with the International Year of the Salmon,” says Clarke. “Salmon are an integral part of the New Brunswick aquaculture story and we believe our installation will help to raise awareness.”
The casts of Atlantic salmon are being created by New Brunswick artist John Morgan to create an urban kaleidoscope of salmon sculptures standing more than six feet tall when mounted.
The chosen artists will receive $2000 to invest in the creation of their concept. Upon completion the salmon sculptures will be installed throughout the city for public viewing and remain the property of Discover Saint John for future installations.
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Media Inquiries:
Jillian MacKinnon, Director Marketing & Communications – Discover Saint John
506-635-3471
jillian@discoversaintjohn.com