The red bricks of the Chatham-Kent Police Services headquarters are set to get a splash of colour.
Municipal officials in Chatham-Kent are looking for submissions from artists for a graffiti-type mural that will cover a large portion of the building that faces Third Street in downtown Chatham.
The project is a follow-up to the recent makeovers of traffic signal cabinets and electrical boxes in Chatham-Kent.
Designs can be submitted via the Let's Talk Chatham-Kent website until 4 p.m. on August 31.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff says it's part of an ongoing push for more public art.
"We invest in public art to ensure a brighter future for our community, and partnering with our police force on this mural is a symbol of our commitment to building bridges," said Canniff in a release. "By fostering creativity and unity, we aim to create a community where trust, respect, and understanding flourish."
Chief Conn also echoed the mayor's sentiments, praising the "power of public art as a transformative force" in the community.
"By adorning the side of our station with creativity and meaning, we send a profound message to our citizens: that we are not just an institution enforcing the law, but a vibrant part of the community we protect," said Conn. "Through this project, we hope to strengthen the bond between law enforcement and the people we proudly serve."
The project is being paid for by funds from the Hydro One Program, which is specifically set aside for recreation and/or arts and culture projects in Chatham-Kent.
Mayor Canniff hopes to have the project completed by the end of the year.
The mural needs to incorporate several key features including: a Chatham-Kent Police Services cruiser, the wording "Service Before Self", and "heroes" such as comic book characters, police officers, and local heroes like Fergie Jenkins and Mary Shadd.
You can find more information about the specific mural requirements and how to make a submission by clicking here.