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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-12-007 - Belmont Avenue Public ArtJ KiT�NER Staff Report CM Office REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee DATE OF MEETING: February 27, 2012 www.kitchener ca SUBMITTED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development 519 741 -2506 PREPARED BY: Cheryl York, Arts /Culture Co- ordinator, Economic Development 519 741 -3400 Ext 3381 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 8 DATE OF REPORT: February 10, 2012 REPORT NO.: CAO -12 -007 SUBJECT: Belmont Avenue Public Art RECOMMENDATION: That the commission and installation of an outdoor wall mural (untitled) at 696 Belmont Avenue West be approved; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorised to execute an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with Larry Hunter outlining the obligations of the public art commission; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute an agreement with the owner of the building at 696 Belmont Avenue West regarding the installation of the mural panels on the building wall. BACKGROUND: The City of Kitchener's public art program places site - specific works of art throughout the city. They are usually created in conjunction with major construction work for new facilities such as libraries, community centres, fire stations, parking garages, and other city -owned buildings to which the public has access. From time to time, a major road and sidewalk construction project provides an opportunity for public art work. 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, low- maintenance and durability. Belmont Avenue is eligible for public art through the City of Kitchener's public art /percent for art program. One percent of the construction budget was allocated for the acquisition of public art when major work was completed on Belmont Avenue West between Union and Glasgow Streets in 2010. This three -block area is the home of Belmont Village Business Improvement Association (BIA), our partner in the project. In consultation with the BIA, a decision was made to specifically request proposals for a mural. The choice of the wall location was also made by BIA members. 7 -1 696 Belmont Avenue West, Kitchener, Ontario (at Claremont) Selection of the finalist's proposal was made by a jury representing the BIA membership, building occupant (Rexall /Pharmasave Drug Store) and the professional arts community. REPORT: Competition A one -stage competition was announced in September 2011. Seven proposals were received by the deadline of October 26, 2011. The jury, which included Ward Councillor Zyg Janecki, considered the proposals and were unable to select one. They requested that two artists be invited to submit revised proposals. Both artists agreed and the second round of proposals was received on December 12, 2011. The jury reconvened on January 11, 2012 to consider the revised designs. Members selected a mural design by Larry Hunter. Concept and Location Mr. Hunter's design responded well to the theme in the call for proposals which stated: "The Belmont BIA wants to celebrate the heritage of the village with a focus on the neighbourhood's early years in the mid - twentieth century. A heritage theme is consistent with Kitchener's 2012 Cityhood Centennial celebrations." The design, attached to this report as Appendix A, features a fictional scene of activity in the mid- 1950's on Belmont Avenue, with storefronts and details consistent with that era. The mural wall is 91/2x15 feet in size. Although it faces Claremont, it is clearly visible to pedestrians and motorists on Belmont. Mr. Hunter is an experienced mural artist with many projects to his credit. Examples of his finished work may be viewed at http: / /www.larryhunterart.com/ He will fabricate the mural on weather - resistant Crezon panels. The finished mural will be treated with a UV protectant and a transparent anti - graffiti coating. Panels can be re- located should the building be sold at some time in the future to a new property owner unwilling to have the mural on the building. The panels will be accessioned into the city's public art collection. The BIA plans a late summer celebration of the installation. Jury Statement The jury's choice was based on the ability of Mr. Hunter's design to capture the spirit of the mid - 1950's when Belmont Village began to come into its own as a retail business district. Mr. 7 -2 Hunter's mural portfolio was evidence that with his experience and talent, the Belmont mural would be a wonderful addition to the public realm on Belmont Avenue. ACAC and PAWG Endorsements The jury's selection of Mr. Larry Hunter's proposal was supported by the Public Art Working Group at its meeting held February 13, 2012. PAWG's motion was forwarded to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee for further endorsement on February 21, 2012. ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN: The public art policy and program support the city's strategic plan, specifically the Quality of Life and Community Leadership and Engagement themes. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: The commission amount is $10,000, provided through the 1% policy. This amount covers all associated expenses for mural production. City staff will install the mural and provide permanent signage. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Belmont Ave art project encouraged the involvement of members of the Business Improvement Association from the initial contact, to an educational session about the city's program, to representatives being invited to serve on the jury. Throughout the process, the Public Art Working Group actively offered advice and endorsed the call for proposals as well as being represented on the jury. ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development 7 -3 pm 11 DWI CA IV"' 70 PIE Lty - UIT 3bb O o �' Z Z r 3bb o� Mw O O -u 30b m 7-4