Top Spotlights of 2023
Fostering and celebrating partnerships and collaborations that connect the arts, business and creative sectors is what we're all about at Business & Arts NL. And we're thrilled that so many others believe in the transformative power of the arts in helping create vibrant, thriving and resilient communities by revitalizing places, attracting visitors, creating jobs, and so much more.
We're proud to highlight many of these stories in our Spotlight on Partnerships blog, where we shared 47 posts over the past year featuring partnerships between businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations and artists across the province.
Here are our top Spotlights for 2023.
Artist Molly Margaret and Dennis Hogan, CEO of the St. John’s International Airport Authority, pose for a photo during the unveiling of "Art Upon Arrival.” Photo: Ritche Perez
Artist Molly Margaret & St. John’s International Airport: Art Upon Arrival
There's nothing like local art to give people a warm welcome and a feel for the place they're visiting. That's exactly what "Art Upon Arrival" set out to achieve. This collaboration between Business & Arts NL and the St. John's International Airport features the playful and whimsical artwork of local visual artist Molly Margaret, which adorns eight columns in the baggage claim area.
Drawing from her own experiences of growing up in Newfoundland, as well as inspiration from family and friends and songs and stories, Molly's airport artwork features everything from kitchen parties and boil-ups on the beach, to colourful jellybean houses and local wildlife.
“This project truly represents the best of what we have to offer, and is the tip of the iceberg as we work on more to come," said Dennis Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of the St. John’s International Airport Authority. (Click here to read the complete Spotlight on Art Upon Arrival.)
Morgan MacRae (second from right) takes a look inside The Masonic. ©David Howells 2023 www.davehowellsphoto.com
The Masonic
If you've strolled around downtown St. John's over the past while, you might've noticed that the iconic Masonic building on Cathedral Street is getting an extensive makeover. Purchased in 2022 by Morgan and Duncan MacRae, the property is undergoing renovations to transform it into an inclusive venue and arts and cultural hub that will benefit the community and artists from a range of disciplines.
The purchase of the historic building realizes a childhood dream of sorts for Morgan, who grew up in Seal Cove and has close ties to the local music scene.
“I think it's a really interesting time to be part of this community in Newfoundland and Labrador right now," she shared. (Click here to read the Spotlight on The Masonic.)
Vessela Brakalova's “Iceberg in a Bottle.”
The Quidi Vidi Art Search
Launched last spring, the Quidi Vidi Art Search is one of our most ambitious projects yet and a perfect example of collaboration in action.
Consisting of five works of public art by local artists, the Art Search invites locals and visitors alike to experience the historic neighbourhood in a new way as they explore and enjoy the nature, enterprises, culture and history, and everything it has to offer.
Featuring work by local artists Vessela Brakalova, Robert Hengeveld, Ian Gillies and Marc Fiset, Julie Lewis, and Kevin-Barry Martin, Art Search locations and community partners include Quidi Vidi Brewery, Quidi Vidi Village Artisan Studios, The Wharf, Sugarloaf Path, and The Inn by Mallard Cottage.
"This project aims to create buzz in Quidi Vidi Village that is greater than the sum of its parts. And we know that there is great potential for powerful placemaking like this in every corner of this province,” said Business & Arts NL's Amy Henderson. (Click here to read the Spotlight on the Quid Vidi Art Search Launch.)
The Sheila's Brush mural by artist Helen Gregory had once been a focal point along Harbour Drive in downtown St. John's.
Sheila's Brush Mural Restoration
If you've ever spent any time exploring downtown St. John's, you likely remember the Sheila's Brush mural, by artist Helen Gregory, that formerly graced Harbour Drive.
The iconic artwork, which was in place for three decades before being removed a few years ago, was saved from a dumpster by local resident Diana Daly and recently restored to its former glory by artist Gary Taylor. Along the way, local business G.J. Shortall Ltd. safely stored the piece and the Paint Shop donated supplies, while a collective of folks from the community worked on fundraising - representing a true collaborative effort and inspiring all-hands-on-deck approach. One of these individuals is Sarah Ferber.
"It was an iconic part of downtown...and it gave a lot of people enjoyment over the years," she said.
"The story of Sheila's Brush and the piece itself is a really interesting piece of Irish and St. John’s/Newfoundland and Maritime folklore all kind of mixed into one." (Click here to read the Spotlight on the Sheila's Brush Mural Restoration.)
The 2023 MINI Countryman Art Car, featuring the artwork of Marcus Gosse. Photo: Matthew Myler
Artist Marcus Gosse & the MINI Countryman Art Car
We were thrilled to roll out our second Art Car partnership with Capital Auto Group last spring, featuring a 2023 MINI Countryman adorned with lovely artwork by Stephenville artist Marcus Gosse titled “Whale Family” (“Putup Ni’kmaq”).
The humpback whales featured on the design, Gosse shared, "display unity, friendship, support, family, and community connectedness. The whale reminds us that it is not about the destination; it’s about the journey."
In addition to highlighting Gosse's work, this mobile piece of public art also functioned as a rolling billboard promoting Business & Arts NL's Explore Art NL public art app, while promoting MINI St. John’s and their support of local arts.
“It’s important for us to find creative ways to connect our brand with the community and what better way to do this than through local art," said Matt Kelland, Group Marketing Director of Capital Auto Group. (Click here to read the Spotlight on the MINI Countryman Art Car & Artist Marcus Gosse.)
Musician and graphic artist Jerry Stamp created this MusicNL design, featured on an Akita tractor trailer.
Akita Equipment & MusicNL
Speaking of a "moving" piece of artwork, local business Akita Equipment also shared their big and bold love of local arts through a unique partnership with MusicNL. Decking out a 53-foot tractor trailer with the MusicNL logo, social media handles and web address, the business made it hard to miss this rolling advertisement promoting the local arts organization.
The truck with the colourful and eye-catching design, created by local musician and graphic artist Jerry Stamp, travelled around the country and appeared at several local events over the summer, helping further amplify MusicNL's membership.
"My husband, Chris, is a big fan of the music industry in Newfoundland and has always tried to support our local talent," said Amy Howlett of Akita Equipment. "Chris thought, what a great way for the province and the country to become aware of MusicNL and all the amazing members." (Click here to read the Spotlight on Akita Equipment & MusicNL.)
Village Music mural by Lorne Bishop. Photo: Bob Brink
Village Music Mural
When Sheldon Power, owner of Village Music in Corner Brook, wanted to help draw people and business back to the downtown core, he knew a bit of creativity would go a long way.
That's why he commissioned local artist (and his former junior high art teacher) Lorne Bishop to create a musical-inspired mural for the exterior of his business on Broadway. Titled “Crosswalk Reel,” it's a Newfoundland and Labrador take on the Beatles' Abbey Road album cover, showing four local musicians traversing the famous crosswalk with instruments in tow. And it's been attracting attention ever since.
"I've seen people take pictures of that mural who I've never seen before. I've had conversations with hundreds of people now, who just comment on the mural,” Power said. (Click here to read the Spotlight on the Village Music Mural.)
Have a story to share about business and arts partnerships or projects? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at: projects@businessandartsnl.com