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Trackside to Parkside

Bringing Art to Construction

Booming construction is a sign of positive growth and economic development in Greater Victoria. But jagged craters and exposed rebar can make worksites a little tough to take - even for a relatively short period of time.

When Talya Cohen, Marketing Coordinator of the currently under construction Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa, met Kim Coyle, Executive Director of the Rock Solid Foundation and saw the Trackside youth art gallery for the first time, it became clear that their partnership was a perfect match. They quickly organized the relocation of several pieces of youth art to the fence around the Parkside construction site.

"The fence of Parkside brings awareness to the Trackside Art Gallery, gives monetary support and gives the youth artists further recognition in their community," said Coyle.

Cohen said, "This project enhances the aesthetic of the Parkside construction site and fosters our commitment to working with community groups. We've had overwhelmingly positive responses from the city, businesses and local residents."

Both projects achieved their respective goals of giving opportunities to youth and becoming involved with the community.

"Construction sites may be interesting to some, but people's heads turn when they see the beautiful artwork on the fence. Construction and art? Those two have never gone hand-in-hand," said Coyle.

Trackside to Parkside increased awareness of youth art and functions as a successful example of a corporate and non-profit partnership. While this region experiences a wave of growing pains, any initiatives that bring positive energy to excavation and construction are welcome.

Parkside, developed by Aviawest Resorts, has plans to take the project farther and become more involved in the downtown community. "The second phase of Trackside to Parkside is to run a city wide art competition where additional art will be added to the fences of the construction site."

Working with other developers or companies is definitely an option for Rock Solid. "Bringing youth art to any location is a very simple task. It takes an open mind from both parties, a space and someone to coordinate the project. The opportunity to bring art to more locations is always abundant."

Cohen added, "Hopefully our work encourages other developers to consider creative ways to beautify their site in a way which works with the community."

More information:
Rock Solid Foundation: www.rocksolid.bc.ca
Trackside Art Gallery: www.rocksolid.bc.ca/programs/tag.html
Kim Coyle, Executive Director: kim@rocksolid.bc.ca
Parkside Victoria Resort & Spa: www.parksidevictoria.com
Aviawest Resorts: www.aviawest.com
Talya Cohen, Marketing Coordinator: talya.cohen@aviawest.com

Story by Christine Hart

Oct 1, 2005