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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-15 ACAC Minutes ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES JUNE 15, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee met virtually onJune 15,2021, commencing at 4:00 p.m. PRESENT:All members present, except M.A. Brotian STAFF:E. Robson, Manager, Arts & Creative Industries E. Rumble,Coordinator, Arts & Creative Industries K. Varin, Program Assistant, Arts & Creative Industries R. Roy,Associate Landscape Architect, Design & Development, Parks & Cemeteries GUESTS:M. Milloy,Gateman Milloy K. Thornley, artist 1.Acceptance of agenda Accepted. Mover:C. AnjariaCarried 2.Declaration of conflict of interest None DELEGATION: 3.Survivor Garden artwork donation:M. Milloy, K. Thornley, R. Roy Mr. Milloy refreshed the origin of the idea of the Survivor Garden, the proposed design and features of the garden, the stakeholders involved and the Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the artwork. The design of the garden is a labyrinth, where the central feature will be an artwork. Two finalists were identified during the RFP process, and Mr. Milloy presented the chosen concept by BC artist Kyle Thorney: a pine tree made of stainless steel, attached to a fabricated rock on a concrete pad. The tree would have branches with individuals steel needles forged in clusters and roots going over the rock. Concept drawings and photos of a sample were presented. The artwork would be created in BC and shipped in one piece to be installed in the park. A legacy fund is proposed to support any future maintenance where a local artist can be hired. There will be a low curb/stone separation to discourage climbing. The tree would be 12 feet tall with the branches with needles starting above 7 feet. The artist spoke aboutthe process of making the tree, working with metal and to how the material might fare outdoors. Similar questions and feedback were raised by committee members as by PAWG members. Memberswould also like to have further information before forming a recommendation, namely: maintenance needs and plan identifying a clear set of expectations on its lifespan if vandalism becomes a concern, a need for risk management assessment, a proposed amount in the legacy fund and material soundness. PRESENTATIONS: 4.Globe Property Tax Class:I.Stefanescu ACAC member, I. Stefanescugave a brief overview of the formation, history and successes of the artist collective, Globe Studios. The mission of Globe Studios is to provide affordable space for artists and arts organizations. The collective has been obliged to change locationsthree times since it’s inception in 1994 until Council provided a grant and June2021-ACAC Minutes 1 ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES JUNE 15, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER an interest free loan to put towardsthe purchaseof half of the building where Globe is currently located. The loan has been paid off and currently there are 29 working spaces and 34 working artists at thislocation. There is a long waiting listof artists interested in renting. In December 2020, supported by a mortgage, Globe purchased the other halfof the building. To ease the burden of financial implications brought on by the pandemic, Globe Studios did not increase the rent amounts of its tenants. However, the assessed value of the building increased substantially and coupled with the costs of the purchase, affects the ability of Globe Studios to managethe costs. I. Stefanescu will be taking a th presentation on August 10to the Region who sets property taxes, to consider the formation of a new tax classin order to support organizations such as Globe Studios, to be able to provide affordable studio space for artists. She is also presenting as delegate to Council on June 28, with an implied request to support this ask of the Region. She was interested in hearing any feedback or questions from the members. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 5.Drafting workplan:members Members approved the draft workplan template presented by Staff. Theysupported the structure of presentations relating to topics of interest and a follow up Q&A and discussion time. Suggestions were made to add speakers to the plan. The aim is to have conclusions/recommendations that would inform the formation of the new Culture Plan. ActionItem: Staff toemail copies of past Culture Plans.Staff to email updated workplan. INFORMATION ITEMS: 6.City updates:staff CAFKA –Contemporary Art Forum Kitchener and Area –is scheduled to being in June and A&C staff have been working with the organization to support siting some of the works on city property. 7.Downtown Action and Advisory (DAAC) Committee:J. Paquette The Region is looking at an investment towards affordable housing with more units and more emergency shelters.The Downtown BIA is adding 19 more pieces to its artwalk. New patios and catenary lighting created in Downtown. 8.Economic Development Advisory Committee(EDAC):I. Stefanescu Panel of experts shared presentations on the topic of affordable housing. 9.Public Art Working Group(PAWG):A. Girard The Survivor Garden artwork donation was also presented. PAWG members had further questions for the presenters prior to considering recommending acceptance into the city’s public art collection. Staff shared a proposal to partner with a local literary magazineto deliver the 2022 Artist in Residence program. 10.Council report:Councilor D. Schnider June2021-ACAC Minutes 2 ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES JUNE 15, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER City of Kitchener joined other Councils with the decision to cut and improve carbon output by 50% by 2030. This decision was supported by prior provincial, federal and citizen support. Members Updates Members briefly talked about the proposed development of the 16-20 Queen Street North site. Themeeting was adjourned at 5:44p.m. NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, July 20, 4:00 p.m.,Zoom. June2021-ACAC Minutes 3