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City supports art initiative to dress up storefronts

The City of New Westminster is throwing its support behind an arts initiative that's designed to dress up vacant storefronts.

The City of New Westminster is throwing its support behind an arts initiative that's designed to dress up vacant storefronts.

Rick Carswell, president of the Arts Council of New Westminster, recently told council that it's exploring the concept of filling vacant commercial spaces with art, which could include static displays or events based around artwork. He said the "excellent" project may need the city's assistance because permits may be required to use the space.

On Feb. 18, city council unanimously agreed to assist organizers of the Store Front New West initiative in identifying owners of vacant storefronts, who may be willing to make their space available for temporary art displays in their windows

Coun. Chuck Puchmayr said malls often fill vacant retail spaces with art. He believes the initiative will encourage people to visit the city's commercial areas.

"It's a win, win, for the businesses," he said. "It shows something attractive there rather than an empty storefront."

Coun. Bill Harper said the arts commission has been exploring the idea for quite some time. He noted the arts council already operates a satellite gallery at Starlight Casino in Queensborough.

"This is a project to ramp that up, to take a look at storefronts in town that are empty and vacant and try to beautify them," he said.

Carswell said the themed displays could be set up in vacant spaces. If enough spaces were involved in the program, he said a cultural crawl could be offered. "That could be fun," he said. "They do that in Seattle."

Carswell said the city's support will be a big help in contacting property owners.

"The vacancies have rental signs - that doesn't necessarily speak to who the owners are," he said. "The owners need to have the final say."

Cooperation from the building owners may also be required to reinstate light or heat services, which may have been cut to the vacant space.

Carswell said the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association has also been supportive of the project.

tmcmanus@royalcityrecord.com