New artwork will flap above the heads of Nanaimo residents this year.
The City of Nanaimo chose Patrick Belanger’s design, which was created in collaboration with Snuneymuxw artist William Good to incorporate Coast Salish design elements into the artwork, as the winning submission for the street banner design competition.
“Street banners grace many streetlight poles during the spring and summer seasons creating a fun and festive atmosphere. The city’s street banner program aids in the promotion of cultural arts and adds colour and excitement to Nanaimo,” said Chris Barfoot, City of Nanaimo culture and heritage coordinator, in a press release. “With 2017 marking Canada’s 150th, Patrick’s design captures Nanaimo’s history and its potential looking forward.”
It’s the second year in a row that Belanger’s design has been chosen. Last year he won for his culture in horticulture design, which depicted Vancouver Island flora and landmarks. This year’s theme was celebrating Canada’s sesquicentennial.
Belanger owns Drifter Media and is a certified graphic designer. He has more than 25 years of professional experience and works with clients to create packaging, web and print designs and branding. He also designs coins and packaging for the Royal Canadian Mint.
Good is a Snuneymuxw master carver, who specializes in red cedar wood carvings.
The street banner program has been running for more than 30 years. Each year the city of Nanaimo invites amateur and professional artists to submit their designs for the competition.
This year the City of Nanaimo received submissions from seven artists, a decline from the last competition which had 12 submissions.
For more information about Belanger, please visit http://thedrifter.ca. For more information about Good, please visit his Facebook page www.facebook.com/William-Good-Coast-Salish-Artist-750462408348569.