HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-11-060 - Kitchener Library Public ArtREPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
May 2, 2011
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and
Services Ext 2687
PREPARED BY:
Cheryl York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator Ext 3381
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
Ward 10
DATE OF REPORT:
April 14, 2011
REPORT NO.:
CSD-11-060
SUBJECT:
KITCHENER LIBRARY PUBLIC ART
RECOMMENDATION:
That the commission and installation of artwork at the Kitchener Public Library, titled
“Flux”, be approved; and,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorised to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City
Solicitor, with Edward Lam and Deborah Moss outlining the obligations of the library
public art commission.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener’s public art program installs site-specific works of art at newly constructed
facilities such as libraries, community centres, fire stations, parking garages, and other civic
buildings to which the public has access. These art works, to date, have been permanent
installations, in a wide variety of styles and materials with a preference for innovation,
responsiveness to the site and public engagement, as well as low-maintenance and durability.
The library project is eligible for public art through the City of Kitchener’s public art/percent for
art program, guided by Public Art Policy I-816.
The current library at 85 Queen Street was built in 1962. In 2008, in order to adequately meet
the needs of Kitchener’s present and future population, Council approved the expansion of the
library. The project consultant is Levitt Goodman Architects Ltd. in association with The Walter
Fedy Partnership and Phillip H. Carter Architect. The building will maintain some of the heritage
of its original form: the design of the 1962 façade will be preserved through the addition of a
glass envelope keeping the building’s original exterior visible. As a major cultural institution, the
library is a well-used public amenity, with a wide range of programming drawing large
audiences. It is the ideal setting for a large public art work.
REPORT:
Competition
A two-stage public art competition was announced in March 2010. Fifty-three applicants were
considered by the jury in April 2010. Five artists were then short-listed to proceed to the second
stage. The jury met for the second time on May 27 to review the detailed design proposals
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created by the short-listed candidates. Jury members were: Janna Levitt, Sonia Lewis, Christina
Weylie, Gordon Hatt, Brian Dietrich, Leslie Drysdale and Senta Ross. The jury selected the
proposal “Flux” (Appendix “A”) by Edward Lam and Deborah Moss as the winning entry. The
jury’s selection was supported in a motion by the Public Art Working Group at its meeting on
June 14, 2010, followed by an endorsement by the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee on
June 15.
A subsequent technical review of Moss and Lam’s proposal required the artists to research and
select a suitable material for their sculpture. A further technical review was conducted in March
and April 2011 and the material, Roscolux, was approved at that time. Roscolux is comprised of
co-extruded polycarbonate plastic and polyester. Squares of this material will be suspended on
1500 fluorocarbon lines attached to a metal frame on the ceiling.
Concept
The artists state that “Flux” symbolizes transformation and dissemination. Their concept was
inspired by printed book pages – the historical foundation of library services. Today, the library
interacts with the community on the basis of the written word, the electronic word, and the heard
word, offering services and opportunities for information, education, entertainment and social
participation. The sharing of knowledge and community is symbolized by the fluid wave-form of
the sculpture and its thousands of elements.
Location
The sculpture will be suspended from the atrium ceiling. The atrium is located in the foyer area,
extends the height of the two-storeys, and is surrounded with a walkway at the second-floor
level. Clerestory windows below the roof line flood the area with natural light.
Installation
Construction of the new library will continue through 2012. The art work will be installed when
construction is complete, estimated at January 2013.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The public art program and its various projects contribute to Kitchener’s “Quality of Life”
in making our public spaces stimulating and beautiful, showing pride in our community
and providing easy access to arts and culture.
The process for public art projects includes fair, public processes that ensure
accountability - “Efficient and Effective Government”.
The public art program is designed to offer opportunities for public participation on many
levels including artists’ competitions, juries, committee support, and installations in
accessible public places - “Leadership and Engagement”.
The City also acknowledges arts and culture as a factor critical to the health of the
community through support for the goals and objectives of Culture Plan II.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This public art project is funded at the $150,000 level in accordance with Public Art Policy I-816
from the construction costs of the new library. The art work commission is budgeted at
$125,000. Installation and administration are budgeted at $25,000.
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
The processes of the City’s public art program include:
Advertised, public call for proposals;
Local citizens and visual arts professionals on jury;
Public Art Working Group monitors the public art program and its various projects;
Arts and Culture Advisory Committee and Public Art Working Group endorse the jury
selection.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Shayne Turner, Acting Deputy CAO, Community Services
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