National Mural Symposium 2010 is an essential professional development opportunity for mural artists, arts administrators, arts educators, public art consultants and creative developers of community space. This year, Mural Routes brings its meeting of mural minds to Collingwood, Ontario - a heritage and resort shoreside town that recently restored four of its 10 year old downtown "Millenium Murals".

Ski Train, Ceramic mural by Richard Gill

Featured keynote speaker on Saturday, November 6:

Jon Pounds, Executive Director of Chicago Public Art Group since 1989. In his keynote address entitled Making Murals: The More We Know, Jon will share his experiences working with artists in communities to create Chicago’s superb public art that transforms and inspires. His presentation will focus on ways that artists learn from, and challenge, each other.

If Walls Could Speak will be held in the Bear Estate, on the waterfront at Cranberry Resort in Collingwood ON.

Full symposium registrants enjoy a Friday evening reception on the waterfront, Saturday breakfast & luncheon, Sunday breakfast and all refreshment breaks.

Special hotel rates available for symposium registrants! Book before October 18 to receive a special rate of CDN $89+tax, double occupancy. To reserve, contact the Cranberry Resort at 1-800-465-9077 and tell the agent that you are attending the National Mural Symposium to qualify for the discount.

Program information

On Friday November 5, award-winning public artist and consultant Brad Golden will present Plaster Plasmas: Entering Public Art Competitions. Artists are often asked to collaborate with other professionals to design and execute art for public spaces. Brad will guide us through the process of the public art call with a look at several successful commissions and projects.

Our evening Welcome Reception offers time to meet and reacquaint during If Walls Could Speak. The delegation will gather for a light dinner reception with storyteller and actor Ron Baker, who will entertain and lead us to the art of storytelling, both his and our own.

Following our keynote address (see above) on Saturday November 6, we are delighted to present The Global Network: The Role of Murals in Cultural Tourism, with Dr. Karl Shutz, founder of the internationally acclaimed Chemainus Festival of Murals and the Global Mural Arts and Cultural Tourism Association and Dr. Gordon Prestoungrange, who joins us straight from the Global Mural Conference in Georgia USA.

After a buffet lunch, delegates will be transported to downtown Collingwood for From Policy to Preservation: A Mural Restoration Success Story. Catherine Campbell, Chair of the Collingwood Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Tanya Mazza, Coordinator of Arts and Culture for the Town of Collingwood, tell the story of Collingwood's ongoing support, restoration and stewardship of its murals. They will be joined by Karin Eaton, Executive Director of Mural Routes who will explore the process of Creating a Mural Condition Report and the importance of documentation to mural maintenance. Their presentation will be followed by a walking tour of their downtown murals .

Materials and More is our answer to requests for a survey of successful methods being used by mural artists. We will share the results of Mural Routes’ recent online survey, and open the floor to continue the dialogue. Included in the session will be a brief guide to Mural Marketing 101.

On Sunday November 7, we continue our series about working with alternative materials and surfaces. Off the Wall: Part III presents mosaic and ceramic artist Cristina Delago who will share her community mosaic mural work in Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods.

Announcing the start of an exciting mural project: Smiley Face on the Moon. Delegates of the 13th National Mural Symposium will be invited to participate in a collaborative mural that will be conceptualized and workshopped at the symposium. Components will be created in our own communities and assembled at a future gathering.

2010 Symposium registration fees:

Full symposium registration: $200 (includes reception, meals & breaks)
Full symposium registration (Mural Routes members): $175 (includes reception, meals & breaks)
One day rate - Saturday: $140 (includes breakfast, lunch and breaks)
One day rate - Friday or Sunday: $110 (includes Friday reception or Sunday lunch, and breaks)
Guest/spouse full symposium rate (accompanied by one full registation): $110
(includes reception, meals and breaks)

To register online, click here.
To download brochure and registration form (.pdf), click here.

Watch this page for more program announcements. For more information about 13th National Mural Symposium, contact Mural Routes at 416-698-7995 or email  janice@muralroutes.com .
 

How to get there:
Collingwood Ontario is approximately a 2 hour drive from Toronto International Airport. There are bus, shuttle and airport services to Collingwood available by reservation.

The Cranberry Resort is located at 19 Keith Avenue, Hwy. 26 West, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4T9. The meeting venue for the 13th National Mural Symposium is The Bear Estate, located at 9 Harbour Street East, a short drive or walk from the main resort and accommodations.

For driving directions to the Collingwood, click here
For a map to Cranberry Resort and Bear Estate, click here.
For a detailed street map to Bear Estate, click here.