HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-16-005 - 2015 Artist in Residence Commission
REPORT TO:Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:March 7, 2016
SUBMITTED BY: Rod Regier, Executive Director, EconomicDev.,519-741-2200 x7506
PREPARED BY:Emily Robson, Coordinator, Arts/Culture, 519-741-2200 x 7084
WARD (S) INVOLVED:All Ward(s)
DATE OF REPORT:February 19, 2016
REPORT NO.:CAO-16-005
SUBJECT:2015 ARTIST- IN- RESIDENCE COMMISSION
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RECOMMENDATION:That the commissioning of art work by the City’s 2015 Artist-in-
Residence, Janice Leebe approved; and further,
That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to execute the Artist-in-Residence 2015
Commission Agreement with Janice Leein a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor, such
agreement encompassing the terms set out in this report.
BACKGROUND:
Since 1995, the Artist-in-Residence has customarily developed a proposal for a commissioned
art work to be added to the City’s ‘Artist- in-Residence Collection.’
Link:Learn more about the City of Kitchener's Artist in Residence program
These art works have been installed in the public areas of city hall and in various city-owned
facilities such as community centres. The works reflect the creative work done by the artist
during his or her term of appointment. The majority are two-dimensional works of painting,
photography or prints. There are a few sculptural works as well.Recently, digital pieces have
been added to the collection. The commissions are funded from the Public Arts Trust Fund
established by the Lions Club of Kitchenerand are permanent assets of the City of Kitchener.
As part of the annual program, the appointee serves for a year as a member of the Public Art
Working Group (PAWG). Each year, the artist submits a commission proposal to PAWG for
review.Janice Leewas appointed by Council to be the 2015 Artist-in-Residence (CAO-15-
002). Heryear-long program was titled Folk Myths of Kitchener.
REPORT:
Lee’s residency project, Folk Myths of Kitchener,involved the collaborative community creation
of four videopoems andpoetry posters. The poems feature the Iron Horse Trail, Kitchener
Libraries, the KitchenerMarket and Downtown Kitchener. Throughout her year as Artist-in-
Residence, Leevisited these four iconic locations and gathered stories from residents. As she
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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discovered these stories, she wrote poems inspired by her conversations. Lee then developed
these poems into short videos, which are now available on YouTube,have been sharedon
social media, and released as digital files. Through collaboration with local graphic artists and
designers, each poem is also presented in a poster format.The poetry postersare ondisplay
at city facilities and throughout the community. By writing new, enchanting, and celebratory
folk stories,Leeexplores themythology and magic surrounding our city.
Over the course of the residency, Lee gathered many stories. While many of these stories are
reflected in her poems, many are not. For her commission, she willcreate a zine(pronounced
‘zeen’) featuring short poems based on these stories and her photographs. The zine will have
aDIYaesthetic, with cut and pasted materials from the locationsshe explored in her
residency.This 6-page zine will beavailable throughout the city,distributed at various events,
and published online.
PAWGsupported the acquisition of this commissioned work at its meeting heldon January 11,
2016. PAWG’s motion was forwarded to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (ACAC) for
further support which it received on Januaryas follows:
19, 2016:
“That 2015 Artist in Residence Janice Lee’s commission, Folk Myths of Kitchener: the Zine, be
accepted.”
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommendation ofthis report supports the achievement of the city’s strategic vision
through the delivery of core service.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The commission fee is $2,000, funded by the Public Arts Trust Fund.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM – This report has been posted to the City’s website with the agenda in advance of the
council / committee meeting.
COLLABORATE – The Artist-in-Residence program requires the artist to offer a program with
meaningful opportunities for community engagement. In 2015,Lee engagedcitizens from
across the city by collecting their stories and weaving them into four video poems. In addition,
this commission willbe widely circulated online and at various community events.PAWG and
ACAC provide oversight of the Artist-in-Residence program
.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Jeff Willmer, CAO
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
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