By: Saeed Akhtar, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Chatham’s downtown is set to get a fresh artistic touch with a new mural project on the River Rock building on Fourth Street. Three murals will be selected from digital submissions from various artists. This accessible approach encourages participation from artists with diverse backgrounds, skills, and locations.
Artists from across Canada are invited to submit digital artwork proposals. The chosen murals will remain on display for at least five years and will be unveiled during the 2025 RetroFest™ weekend.
Each winning artist will receive $2,000 and a plaque placed beneath their artwork featuring their name, the mural’s title, and a QR code linking to their social media or website.
Organizers are excited about the inclusivity of the digital submission process, which allows artists with diverse skills and from different locations to participate.
The existing downtown murals have been a significant part of the community for 25 years. The community extends its gratitude to Penelope Duchesne and her team, along with the Chamber of Commerce, for their contributions. A fresh, modern theme is set to be introduced on the River Rock building.
The new murals’ theme is to “inspire community pride through the exploration of our history and heritage within Chatham.”
A jury panel of five members—comprising curators, art experts, and business professionals—will review the submissions, prioritizing the work of local artists.
Businesses interested in sponsoring this project can also have a plaque on the same wall as the murals, recognizing their support.
Submissions are now open until January 30, 2025. For more details, visit Downtown Chatham’s website.
