TORONTO.- Partners in Art nnounced the exhibition period for their Canada 150 Signature Project LandMarks2017/Repères2017, running June 10 to 25 located in communities near or at Canada’s National Parks and Historic Sites.

LandMarks2017/Repères2017 is a year-long multidisciplinary contemporary arts initiative created to inspire Canada-wide conversation about the people, places and perspectives that have shaped our past, and are vital to our futures. A collaborative effort from acclaimed Canadian curators, celebrated contemporary artists such as Michael Belmore, Rebecca Belmore, Maureen Gruben, Jin-me Yoon and Ursula Johnson, as well as art students from 16 universities and colleges participating in emerging artist projects, LandMarks2017/Repères2017 is an invitation to all Canadians to creatively explore and deepen their connection to the land through art.

The exhibition period features site-specific installations and sculptures, pop-up art exhibitions and performances dotted across the country, encouraging a critical examination of Canada at 150, offering a legacy for the future, with a strong focus on Indigenous voices and reconciliation.

For Landmarks 2017, these projects function as trail markers on a journey across the land. They focus on multiple experiences and stories to revisit the ways we understand our histories and envision our futures. Together, they enrich our knowledge of different places by inviting us to question their use and significance — symbolically, socially and environmentally.

From the curatorial team: “LandMarks2017/Repères2017 speaks from multiple positions, using difference, rather than unified national identity, as a starting point and recognizes Indigenous Nations and relationships to land as foundational. Our shared stories are, at their heart, about land, belonging, languages, and cultures that stem from our interconnectedness with the earth.”

“LandMarks2017/ Repères2017 proudly invites all Canadians to experience contemporary Canadian art through nature, and to reflect on the diverse perspectives that comprise our country during this exhibition period,” says Jane Brisebois, Chair of the Board, Partners in Art. “We hope the project helps Canadians to discover their own personal landmarks, to critically examine Canada 150, and to offer new perspectives for the future.”

“Canada 150 is an opportunity for us all to reflect on our past and imagine the Canada of tomorrow. This fascinating project plays a leading role in this respect, as it encourages us to discover Canada’s natural beauty, increase our environmental awareness and deepen our connection with our natural heritage through art,” said the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage. “I invite everyone to come see the exhibitions and strengthen the bonds that unite us.”