A submission deadline extension for the Bob Lamb Bandstand mural has been announced as the RMWB continues to look for a professional painter to handle the project. Interested professionals now have until August 10, 2016 instead of the initial deadline of May 27, 2016. According to Arts Council of Wood Buffalo executive director Constance Scarlett “Everybody in the city was in a bit of state of upheaval and they wanted to give artists as much time as possible to respond to the call, locally or otherwise.” Because of the wildfire evacuation the original deadline date came at a time when many area residents were still all over the province, and survival was the focus of their attention. The mural is one of the projects that RMWB’s Graffiti Abatement Mural Program launched in order to prevent illegal graffiti.

The Bob Lamb Bandstand mural is the 6th project for the program, and the submission deadline extension will allow more artists to apply. Artists who are interested in being part of this program do not have to be locals to the Wood Buffalo area, but they are expected to offer more than just artistic talent. Program project lead Alanna Bottrell explained that “A lot of [our previously chosen artists] have background with mentoring youth, so we’re hoping to attract some of those same artists that have applied for past years. They have experience with community engagement, working with youth and running their art as a business.” A local artist will also be assigned to the mural project as well, so that this local resident can work under the professional in a mentor mentee type of relationship.