Artist selected for Tremont Plaza art project

William W. Hung has been selected to create the Tremont Plaza public artwork, a permanent, outdoor installation at Simcoe Street and Tremont Lane.
The artwork called “Dare to Dream,” features a bronze cast of a hand-sculpted rhinoceros perched on top of a seven and a half foot tall stainless steel arc. The rhinoceros is poised on its hind legs as if about to take flight with eight painted aluminum balloons attached to its back. The balloons are the colours of the original rainbow Pride flag of 1978.
“We are excited about William’s proposal,” said Tanya Mazza coordinator of arts and culture for the Town. “This artwork will captivate viewers with its uniqueness and whimsicality and invite exploration and conversation about belonging, being oneself and making space for everyone in our community to do the same.”
In William’s proposal, the steel arc suggests a rainbow and the rhinoceros represents the LGBTQ2S+ community, a symbol first used in 1974. 
After being one of four shortlisted candidates from 24 entries, Hung prepared a proposal including drawings, materials and budget which was presented to the Public Art Working Group. This ad hoc volunteer committee consisting of seven members of the community and two town staff was assembled for the purposes of establishing the project criteria and selecting the artwork. 
“The committee was instrumental in getting us to this point and we are grateful for the time and energy they invested in this project,” added Mazza. “Now we can’t wait to see William’s proposal come to life.”
Funds for the project have been building in a reserve that was established in 2012 by Collingwood council. The theme for the project was proposed by the Rainbow Club of South Georgian Bay and approved by council in 2020. The total project budget is $50,000. 
Dare to Dream is scheduled to be installed in Spring/Summer 2022.