Public Art in Downtown Barrie, Ontario Supports Community

Public art installations have gone up all over downtown Barrie, Ontario. Part of the Downtown Barrie Mural Project, these installations make up “Words and Images: Responding to this Place,” a project made by local artists for locals.

Led by the 320 Collective with their partners at the MacLaren Art Centre and the Downtown Barrie
Business Association (BIA), “Words and Images” reminds the community that we are truly stronger
when we stand as “Barrie Together.”

Each installation reflects the beauty of the written word by past and present Poets Laureate of
Barrie, Bruce Meyer and Victoria Butler. Their words were read and responded to by local artists
Katie Green and Leandra Almeida.

Adding to the cultural and community experiences of downtown Barrie, the installations can be
found at:

1. “Centennial” at Dunlop St E, alleyway beside Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery
2. “Holy Land” at former BMO building adjacent to Meridian Place, south wall facing Simcoe St
3. “Kempenfelt Drive” at Collier St at Clapperton St, alleyway between 19 and 21 Collier St
4. “The Future” at Dunlop St W at Mary St, southeast corner

The arts are vital to building vibrant communities. With these installations, wider sidewalks, a
beautiful streetscape, downtown Barrie has become a canvas upon which the arts and business
community can collaborate