New: digital map showing the location of public artworks in Laval

Laval, April 14, 2022 - Citizens can now explore Ville de Laval's rich collection of public art online, thanks to a new narrative map that presents a portrait of this artistic offering. The map allows users to locate nearly sixty works of art scattered across the territory, and to discover them through texts, photos and videos posted on the platform.

"What a great initiative to discover the works of art that surround us! It's all the more relevant given the ever-growing interest in the arts in Laval. This new platform not only allows us to locate public artworks, but also to learn more about the artists and the context in which they were created. It's a fantastic educational tool that democratizes access to the arts. I invite all Laval residents to visit the map and take ownership of the works located all over the island. 

- Flavia Alexandra Novac, Sainte-Rose city councillor in charge of cultural affairs

Credit: Alissa Chalifour, Ville de Laval

A project promoting access to arts and culture

The narrative map is in line with the Municipal Policy for the Integration of Public Art in Municipal Buildings and Sites adopted in September 2021. Among other things, this aims to foster the citizen experience by improving quality of life and urban aesthetics. The project is also in line with the actions set out in the Plan de développement culturel de la région de Laval (PDCRL) 2019-2023 regarding the enhancement of works of art in Ville de Laval's municipal collection

The map is a way of showcasing the remarkable work of creators and contributing to the collective development of citizens through culture. Born of a need on the part of citizens wishing to know more about the works, this new tool is the fruit of close collaboration between several Laval municipal departments

Public art trail at the Nature Centre

By browsing the narrative map, citizens can discover a vast itinerary of a dozen works located on the plain at the Centre de la nature. They are invited to admire these impressive works in situ, and to take part in a family fun trail starting May 14. This artistic mediation activity for children aged 5 and over will enable them to activate their senses and imagination by discovering the stories behind the works.

Recent installations

Over the past year, several works have been added to the public art collection. These include Double courbe, by artist Renée Condo, which can be admired in front of the Centre de pratique artistique Argenteuil. This aluminum sculpture celebrates culture, diversity and nature. A nod to the artist's Mi'gmaq heritage, it retains aspects of alliance, community and balance. Renée Condo is the winner of the mentorship program for the creation of a first work of public art in Quebec, aimed at emerging artists or those from a diverse or aboriginal community.

About the public art collection

The municipal public art collection comprises some sixty sculptures, installations, paintings, drawings, digital and sound works, photographs and murals dating from 1917 to the present day. These works by professional artists, most of them from Quebec, are known as "integration works", as they are designed specifically for the site in which they are installed.

Additional information

To explore the narrative map, visit its web page

Credit: Alissa Chalifour, Ville de Laval

Bas de vignette: Renée Condo, Double courbe, 2021, aluminum, Centre de pratique artistique, Argenteuil pavilion.