HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-19 ACAC Minutes (2)
ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER
The Arts and Culture Advisory Committee met virtually onSeptember 21,2021, commencing at 4:00 p.m.
PRESENT:All members present, except M.A. Brotianand M. Blunt
STAFF:E. Robson,Manager, Arts & Creative Industries
K. Varin, Program Assistant, Arts & Creative Industries
GUESTS:Paul McDonald, The Firm Collective
Rafael Robin
1.Acceptance of agenda
Accepted.
Mover:J. PaquetteCarried
2.Declaration of conflict of interest
None
DELEGATION:
3.None
PRESENTATIONS:
4.Murals & placemaking: P. McDonald, R. Robin
P.McDonaldas the owner of The Firm Collective –a company that executes murals for
public and private clients –gave an overview of what distinguishes a mural/graffiti from
street art or tagging. R. Robin–a young artist -spoke to the appeal of the art form to
young artists. Both supported the creation of a legal graffiti wall in a central location. The
area around the Kitchener Auditorium or somewhere downtown such as an alleyway, were
suggested. They identified the following benefits of a legal wall to placemaking:
Minimizes large scale tagging or “bombing”: painting over existing murals
Creates a space for emerging mural artists to create and practice
Creates a safe space for young artists to explore the art form
Creates an exciting, public space for visitors
Creates a public art piece that the audience can enjoy
Can compliment an already carefully curated outdoor space
Members suggested exploring other places that could house a temporary graffiti space
such as on scaffolding. It is worthwhile to factor in education in the value of this art form
with the public.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
5.McLennan Park public artwork deaccession & policy:K.Varin, E. Robson
Ms. Varin summarized and consulted with members on a staff report recommending the
deaccession of the artwork called Moments, located in McLennan Park and the addition of
a deaccession clause to the Public Art Policy GOV-COR-816.The report outlines the
September2021-ACAC Minutes 1
ARTS ANDCULTURE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (ACAC) MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021CITY OF KITCHENER
maintenance history and challenges around the artwork. The clause outlines the process
and reasons for deaccessioning an artwork. Members had a lot of questions and a lengthy
discussion ensued about the deaccessioning of this work. They were not supportive of the
followingmotion:
“That the deaccessioning and removal with intent to disposition the public artwork called
Moments in McLennan Park, be approved.”
NotCarried
Members proposed an alternative motion. On a motion made by J. Paquette, seconded by
I. Stefanescu:
“That city staff remove and store Moments by G Houghton while staff considers alternative
funding including exploration of private funders, sites and approach to restoration.”
Carried
On a motion made by A. Girard, seconded by D. Schneider:
“That the Public Art Policy be amended to include a deaccession clause.”
Carried
INFORMATION ITEMS:
All information items and updates postponed till the October meeting.
Themeeting was adjourned at 5:50p.m.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, October19, 4:00 p.m.,Zoom.
September2021-ACAC Minutes 2