Richmond, BC – The next installation for Richmond Public Library’s Community Art Wall provides a powerful and unique opportunity to recognize and celebrate vulnerable community members.
Throughout October, the Community Art Wall display at the Brighouse branch will showcase a dual exhibit highlighting the experience of homelessness and home, in recognition of Homelessness Action Week. One exhibit will be a 3D sculpture titled “Home is…”, presented by the Richmond Poverty Reduction Coalition (RPRC). The second exhibit, presented in partnership with Turning Point Recovery Society and Richmond Public Art, will showcase photos taken by visitors to the Richmond Drop-In Centre. The photos are taken through the lens of someone with the experience of homelessness and aim to capture what “home” means to each person. The photographs were created in response to the prompt: what is important in your life?
From October 1 to 12, community members can vote for their favourite photo by dropping a completed ballot in the ballot box, located at the second-floor information desk at the Brighouse branch. There are no rules, no criteria, and no restrictions on how to select your favourite… just choose the one that speaks to you and cast your ballot.
Once you’ve browsed all the entries and voted for your favourite, be sure to come back for the Celebrating Community: Ceremony and Poetry Workshop, happening on October 15 at 2:00pm at the Brighouse branch. Find out more at https://yourlibrary.bibliocommons.com/events/6334aaeb963175420011fb1b.The winners of the photo contest will be awarded a gift card to buy items to make their new home their own. The ceremony will also provide an opportunity for members of the public to engage with the photographs and consider what “home” means to them.
The Community Art Wall is a collaboration between Richmond Public Library and local amateur artists. We welcome Expressions of Interest from local community organizations and individuals. To apply to be featured on the Community Art Wall in an upcoming installation, visit https://www.yourlibrary.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Art-Wall-EOI-form.pdf.