Public Art

Brightening Barriers Exhibition on Display Until September 29

    Public art is visual art that exists in the public realm. It includes all works that are commissioned, purchased by, or donated to the City to be located in publicly accessible spaces. ​The Barrie Public Art Guide (PDF) features works in public spaces across Barrie along with mapped locations. Copies are available for pickup at City Hall and tourism outlets.

    In October 2012, City Council approved its first Public Art Policy (PDF), created by a committee of arts experts from Barrie and surrounding area. The policy established a Barrie Public Art Committee (BPAC) that works to raise the profile of public art and create a vibrant, animated city full of public art for all to enjoy. Projects listed on this website have involved BPAC.

    Each object in the City's public art collection is on a maintenance schedule. The timing of each cleaning/treatment is determined by the medium of the artwork, its age, and location. There is an exception when cleaning is required due to unexpected causes (e.g. vandalism).

    Art on Transit

    Installations inspired by Barrie’s Poet Laureate to enhance the Barrie Transit experience.
    mockup of "Art on Transit" bus shelter location

    Brightening Barriers

    A temporary exhibition bringing original works by local and regional artists to downtown patios.
    Windows made of plywood and painted, installed on the patio fence at Bohemia

    Community Improvement Artwork

    Councillor-led community improvement art projects completed in consultation with the BPAC.
    composite digital image

    Graffiti Abatement Artwork

    Anti-graffiti coatings and murals on surfaces prone to graffiti, including traffic and utility cabinets.
    Public art wrap designed by Andrea Cook, located at Bayfield & Grove

    Dividers Made into a Juncture

    A sculpture-bike rack consisting of six different metal fence dividers artistically reconfigured.
    Dividers Made into a Juncture bike rack at downtown Barrie Public Library branch

    The Container Project

    The container is a storage facility and mural that adds to the beautification of downtown Barrie.

    The First Floor Gallery

    An exhibition space located at City Hall, created to profile the incredible artwork of local artists.
    Artwork displayed on the walls of the First Floor Gallery, Barrie City Hall

    The Horn and The Heart

    Sculpture at Meridian Place, also known as The Bob Hunter Memorial Publi​c Art Project.
    Artwork sculpture in Downtown Barrie

    The Sea Serpent

    The sculpture is the first large donation accepted into the City’s collection by the BPAC.
    Sea Serpent sculpture at Barrie waterfront

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