Let's Discuss an Opportunity to Create Public Art From the JSB Steel!

It's been a couple of years since Big Blue was replaced by the shiny new Johnson St. Bridge. While our petition was not successful in the retention of the entire bridge for the purpose of creative re-use (due to PCL's existing contract), we did initiate a conversation in the local municipal government about the topic. As it turns out, there is, in fact, a (small) piece of the rail span that got left behind for this purpose!

We are hosting a Nerd Jam (a fast-paced, community-driven design-thinking brainstorm session) in order to inform the city's process in holding a design competition to activate the public realm around the JSB site, as well as the potential creative re-use of the remaining piece of steel from the old rail span.

If you feel strongly about these issues, we invite you to join us for this fun & free interactive event on November 27 at Studio Robazzo (2001-F Douglas St).

Details Below:
Nerd Jam | Potluck | BYOB | Brainstorm | Share Your Ideas

If you could do anything to activate public space in your community what would it be?

What's involved in making a place special and telling its story? What if public space and art could support community-led urban activation?

Join the Victoria Design Nerds for an interactive workshop on setting the stage for a design competition with the City of Victoria. This event will feature guest speakers followed by a creative brainstorming session intended to generate a range of diverse visions on the design challenge.

How Might We:
- Collaborate to create an inclusive and engaging design competition?
- Ensure an equitable, community-led process?
- Honour Victoria’s history while celebrating its evolving identity?
- Activate public spaces through adaptive reuse, public art and placemaking?

This event is a potluck and BYOB, so be sure to bring your snacks and refreshments.

DOORS OPEN: 5:30pm
EVENT STARTS: 6:00pm
TICKETS: Free

Please RSVP via Eventbrite as seats are limited. You can also join our Facebook event page and invite your friends!

We respectfully acknowledge that this event is being held on the traditional territories of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations.