The Town of Pincourt recently inaugurated the first project in its Program for the Integration of Mural Arts into the Urban Landscape (PIA), Jeu dans l'océa, in the company of Town Council members, PIA Committee volunteers, municipal employees and Montreal artist Jean Pronovost.

This program stems from the City's Cultural Policy, which was adopted in 2022. The mission of this policy is to bring the community together around a vibrant local life that showcases the population, from toddlers to seniors.

The PIA aims to position Pincourt as a place for the arts, in addition to offering a unique living environment of which its citizens are proud. The program's vocation is to offer a circuit of works throughout the town.

Work no. 1 - Jeu dans l'océan

The PIA's first inaugural work fulfilled the conditions set by the Committee: it had to be representative of the chosen location, and be colorful, vibrant and alive. The artist, Jean Pronovost, also added a playful aspect, evoking the municipal pool's goal of teaching children to swim through play.

"The arts integration program will enliven and beautify the city. This project will create inspiring and lively spaces for citizens. The result of the first work is magnificent and sets the tone for the artistic possibilities. Our cultural policy includes a number of actions, and this project is one of them," enthused Claude Comeau, Mayor of Pincourt.

Financing details

For the first four years of the program, from 2023 to 2027, the annual budget is $25,000. The selected projects may receive funding of up to 100% of the costs, depending on the potential sharing of the maximum budget.

Artists, schools, businesses, churches and institutions ... get involved!

All community partners are invited to submit their ideas. Calls for projects will go out in autumn 2023, with a view to starting work in summer 2024. "Citizen involvement in this program clearly illustrates the population's interest in the arts, culture and history of our territory. It makes it possible to set up collaborative municipal projects.

"The "Jeu dans l'océan" mural is the first in a series of works that will involve schools and businesses in the visual enhancement of the town's buildings. Artist Jean Pronovost exceeded the committee's expectations. His colorful, vibrant and lively depiction of the site makes you want to go for a swim," said PIA committee member Francine St-Denis.

The concepts submitted will go through the following three stages:

• Verification of compliance with land-use planning regulations concerning mural art,
• Presentation to the Arts Integration Committee,
• Selection of subsidized projects.

Proposed projects will be evaluated on the basis of the quality of the presentation files. The call for projects document will outline eligibility requirements, selection criteria and required information.

Participate in the beautification of the Town of Pincourt, through murals that will make the places of Pincourt unique, pleasant and attractive. For more information, visit the Town of Pincourt website: https://villepincourt.qc.ca/fr/accueil.