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Recent News > Signs of celebration: Sesquicentennial Public Art Sculptures launching across the country

Signs of celebration: Sesquicentennial Public Art Sculptures launching across the country

posted on May 11, 2017
Today, Charlotte Bell, President and CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC) and the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage officially unveiled a Canada150 3D public art installation at Prince's Island Park.
 
Funded by the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage, this iconic national project will enhance the tourism experience from the Canada 150 celebrations across the country. These gathering places will be marked by large illuminated 3D public art installations spelling out C-A-N-A-D-A-1-5-0.  This is a unique national project that will span markets from coast to coast to coast and bring Canadians and visitors together across the country to celebratethis historic national milestone, creating memorable experiences and sharing unique mementos through photos and social media. Leading up to Canada Day celebrations, these public art sculptures will enhance the Canada 150 experienceby creating a series of gathering places in major urban centres and iconic tourism destinations across the country to anchor Canada 150 activities and festivities by generating social media engagement and storytelling. 
 
"In this momentous year, the Government of Canada is proud to support TIAC and this truly exciting initiative that will see Canada 150 art installations across our great nation-a bright, bold and beautiful way to celebrate and show our pride," said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. "I encourage Canadians of all ages to create once-in-a-generation memories by taking photos, sharing stories, and coming together in these unique gathering places to honour our diverse and vibrant country."
 
"TIAC is proud to partner with the Government of Canada and the Minister of Heritage to provide destinations across Canada with appealing art installations celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary" said Charlotte Bell. "Through this initiative, we look forward to creating memories and unique keepsakes of this momentous event in Canadian history that will no doubt be widely shared on social media as positive and powerful images of Canada's natural beauty, tourist appeal and the diversity of our great nation." added Bell.
 
The tourism and travel sector is a key contributor to Canada's economy:
  • Travel is a $91.6 Billion sector in Canada
  • 1 out of every 11 jobs in Canada is directly involved with travellers
  • Tourism is Canada's largest service export in Canada with $17.2 billion
 
"We are thrilled that Calgary will host the inaugural Canada 150 sign, commemorating our country's sesquicentennial," says Cindy Ady, CEO Tourism Calgary. "It will offer a new and vibrant attraction for Calgarians and visitors, while leaving lasting memories of an important year for Canada, and Calgary. Unveiling this new landmark during Rendez-vous Canada will give delegates from around the world the chance to share photos and invite other visitors to experience Calgary throughout this milestone year for Canada."
 
TIAC believes that the opportunity to bring Canadians and visitors together in celebration of our history will underscore both our sense of pride as Canadians as well as our inclusiveness as a nation as we welcome visitors from all corners of Canada and the globe to join in our celebrations.
 
"TIAC wishes to thank the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage for her leadership and support in creating this unique initiative in celebration of Canada's sesquicentennial.  We also wish to recognize the ongoing support for the tourism industry given by the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, who tirelessly champions our industry" concluded Bell.
 
The Canada 150 3D sign installation measures 36 feet long and stands 6 feet high and will remain on display until the end of 2017.
 
For more information about the Canada 150 sign search the #3DCanada150 hashtag or follow TIAC on Facebook or Twitter.
 
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For more information please contact:
 
Marcela Diaz
Director, Public Affairs and Communications
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
mdiaz@tiac.travel
t: 613-238-6378