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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2023-368 - KPL Southwest Public Artwork CommissionStaff Report Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca REPORT TO: Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee DATE OF MEETING: September 18, 2023 SUBMITTED BY: Cory Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development, 519-741 2200 ext. 7065 PREPARED BY: Eric Rumble, Coordinator, Arts and Creative Industries, 519-741- 2200 ext. 7424 WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 5 DATE OF REPORT: August 16, 2023 REPORT NO.: DSD -2023-368 SUBJECT: KPL Southwest Public Artwork Commission RECOMMENDATION: That the commission and installation of a new artwork, "Wintertime Stories" by Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Miigizi Johnston, at the Kitchener Public Library's new southwest community facility, be approved; and, That the Mayor and Clerk be authorized to implement an agreement, satisfactory to the City Solicitor, with the artists' representative, Highness Global Inc., outlining the obligations of the library public art commission. REPORT HIGHLIGHTS: • The purpose of this report is to explain the selection process and recommended proponent from the Kitchener Public Library Southwest Public Art Competition. • The key finding of this report is the jury selection of one proposal, which resulted from a successful open call for submissions and a gradual deliberation process. • The financial implication is $65,000 from the consolidated public art account. • Community engagement included a diverse jury composition as well as consultation with the Arts and Culture Advisor Committee and Public Art Working Group. • This report supports the delivery of core services through the 1 % for Public Art policy. BACKGROUND: City of Kitchener's public art program installs site-specific artworks at newly constructed facilities such as libraries, community centres, fire stations, parking garages and other public civic buildings and spaces. These artworks include permanent installations in a wide variety of styles and materials, selected with a preference for artistic merit and innovation, site responsiveness, public engagement and accessibility, durability and sustainability. Kitchener's forthcoming new library is eligible for a public artwork allotment through the City of Kitchener's percent for public art program, guided by Public Art Policy 1-816. *** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. *** Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance. Page 29 of 399 KPL southwest branch (KPLSW) will serve a growing demand for library space, resources and services in the new Rosenberg residential area, which could reach 25,000 residents and more than 10,000 new residential units by 2040. The concept designs developed by mcCallumSather architects propose a 14,000 -square -foot, single -story, Net -Zero building with natural light connecting open gathering areas and flexible program spaces. Library staff envision a welcoming, inspiring facility that will offer resources, programs and spaces for artistic expression through music, writing, culinary arts or digital design. Southwest Kitchener residents want a place to borrow books and study, but also to access technology, digital tools, cultural programming and early learning and literacy. They also want a naturally lit space that promotes inclusion and incorporates sustainable principles. The open call for proposals aimed to prioritize submissions from underrepresented artists. Proposals by artists of Indigenous background were prioritized out of respect for the 1784 Haldimand Tract treaty and the archeological discovery of a Late Woodland Iroquoian longhouse community that precedes European settlements near the new library site. Immigrant applicants were prioritized because census data indicates about one-third of southwest Kitchener residents as people whose first language is not English or French. Other equity -deserving groups were also able to self -identify, including racialized people, women, LGBTQ2S+, people living with disabilities, senior citizens or unhoused people. REPORT: The KPLSW public art competition was open to artists or artist teams with experience in creating site -responsive public art projects. A commission of $65,000 was available, which promotional content indicated must be used to cover the artist's or team's design and production fees; insurance and legal costs; materials, fabrication and subcontractors' costs; studio, storage and installation expenses, including transportation of artwork to the site; any required official documentation; and the artist's or team's travel expenses. Staff assembled a jury to recommend one proposal from those submitted to the selection process. Jurors were considered carefully to include the following members: • Sharl G. Smith (professional artist) • August Swinson (professional artist) • Suzanne Luke (professional curator) • Sumaira Tazeen (professional artist & Public Art Working Group representative) • Arnav Vashishth (Kitchener citizen & future KPLSW branch user) • Ralph Bieber (Kitchener citizen & future KPLSW branch user) • Mary Chevreau (CEO of Kitchener Public Library) • Willems Ransom (Principal, architect at mcCallumSather) • Ayo Owodunni (Ward 5 councillor for City of Kitchener) Competition A two-stage public art competition for KPLSW was announced in October 2022. An open call for expressions of interest was posted and promoted on the City's website for 100 days. After 43 submissions were received by January 20, 2023, staff identified eligible proposals and eliminated those that overlooked critical requirements or constraints of the open call. Page 30 of 399 In February 2023, jury members reviewed and rated 29 submissions of interest. About a dozen of the highest-rated proposals were discussed at a jury meeting, with three proposals selected for stage two. Short-listed artists or teams prepared and presented more detailed concepts to the jury in May 2023, with their deliberation afterwards narrowing the options down to two proposed ideas. The jury reconvened in June 2023 to make a final selection. Jury statement Wintertime Stories is a compelling concept for the main programming area of a new library, particularly for younger users but also the broader community that will rely on the facility. This accessible and engaging theme proposed by the artist team of Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Miigizi Johnston carries a deep connection to Anishinabek tradition, as well as to the experiences of living in a northern climate, cultivating relationships and sharing culture. The proposed artwork features stylized, recognizable shapes and forms of woodland animals and other symbols that will appeal to audiences of many ages, identities, ethnicities and levels of familiarity or comfort with contemporary art or Indigenous heritage. The artists' design has a warmth and playfulness that lends itself to both interpretive content and programming options. Given the proximity of the new library site to the archeological discovery of a longhouse village that pre -dates settler contact, the artwork will also serve to recognize the longstanding relationship between First Nations people and the land where the library will be. This aligns with other local reconciliation efforts and will help to acclimatize newcomers to Kitchener and other library users. Choosing Wintertime Stories begins to address the absence of Indigenous representation in the City of Kitchener's public art collection and adheres to the equity -deserving priority indicated in the project's open call for proposals. Artwork As the artists Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Miigizi Johnston explain, "the stories of the woodland animals are rich with lessons and teachings on our connection to all of nature and our roles as stewards and protectors of the lands. In addition to being visually striking, the artwork will be embedded with important messages about history, culture and eco -consciousness." Its pictography will be formed by CNC machine -cut shapes in stained Baltic birch plywood and laser -cut acrylic made from recycled plastics that are UV -printed with custom colours. Materials were chosen to align with building design features. The artwork will be installed directly onto the surface of 53' -long, 8' -tall bulkhead above the main programming area. Please see the appendix for more detailed description and visuals of the proposed artwork. Installation Construction of the new library is anticipated to begin in 2024. The artwork will be produced and stored to avoid cost inflation and installed in coordination with facility construction timelines. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: This report supports the delivery of core services. Page 31 of 399 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Capital Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget. Funding for this public art project has already been allocated to the consolidated public art budget in accordance with Public Art Policy 1-816. The construction costs of the new library facility resulted in a $68,000 allotment, $65,000 of which was offered as commission in the open call for expressions of interest. Of the remaining $3,000, three proponents were each paid $850 to produce a phase two proposal and presentation, and the balance will be used to produce interpretive signage for the installed artwork. Any ongoing maintenance costs will be funded through the City's Public Art maintenance account. Operating Budget — The recommendation has no impact on the Operating Budget. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: INFORM — This report has been posted to the City's website with the agenda in advance of the council / committee meeting. CONSULT — Staff produced an open call for expressions of interest draft and hired two reviewers to provide professional input pertaining to inclusion and equity. The open call was published on the City website and promoted on its social media and by paid advertising. The jury included both visual arts professionals and local citizens who will use the new library. This project has been discussed numerous times at PAWG and ACAC meetings. On July 10, 2023, PAWG expressed support for the recommendations in this report, and on July 18 and August 15, 2023, ACAC expressed its support for the recommendations as well. PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES: • GOV-COR-816 Public Art Policy APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services ATTACHMENTS: Attachment A — Wintertime Stories stage two proposals document Page 32 of 399 Kitchener Public Library Call to Artists Phase II Submission I Site 1 May 4, 2023 PROFESSIONAL ARTIST TEAM of ISAAC MURDOCH NYLE M I IG IZI JOHNSTON HIGHNESS Bespoke Business Ambassadors // WINTERTIME STORIES (wood, acrylic and gold mirror acrylic) i WINTERTIME STORIES Wintertime is traditionally the season of storytelling for The Anishinabek People. The storytelling tradition is a way to connect generations and communities while protecting heritage and preserving cultural folklore. The tradition is ignited with an element of excitement as it brings people of all ages and from various communities together in the cold months. While the animals sleep and nature quietens, the magical stories of creation and genesis are shared. Inspired by the tradition of Wintertime storytelling, the Artist Team of Isaac Murdoch and Nyle Miigizi Johnston present WINTERTIME STORIES - a large scale art installation for Kitchener Library featuring woodland animals. The stories of the woodland animals are rich with lessons and teachings on our connection to all of nature and our roles as stewards and protectors of the lands. In addition to being visually striking, the artwork will be embedded with important messages about history, culture and eco -consciousness. In addition to the imagery of the woodland animals, the art features depictions of human forms linked together to emphasize the importance of community; the transfer of knowledge through generations; and stewardship of the land. The artwork will welcome all community demographics to the Kitchener Library and open up the opportunity for extended learning, workshops and storytelling sessions by the artists. The artwork is suggested for Site 1 location. Two production options are offered for WINTERTIME STORIES: a) wood, acrylic and gold mirrored aryclic; and b) series of large scale canvas prints Page 35 of Ag WHY SITE 1 ? The proposed WINTERTIME STORIES artwork is a perfect fit for the identified location of the bulkhead below the elevated windows in the new community library's main programming area. The panoramic composition of the artwork, depicting pictography from the ground to the sky, will create a visually striking and engaging experience for visitors as they enter the space. The blue colour ways of the artwork complement the architectural choices for the area and connect with the natural environment visible through the continuously glazed southwest -facing windows. As a welcoming gathering spot, reading lounge, and program and event space, the artwork will enhance the ambiance and sense of community in the space. Page 36 of :69 WINTERTIME STORIES (wood, acrylic and gold mirror acrylic) The wood and acrylic version of WINTERTIME STORIES uses sheets of baltic birch plywood, custom printed acrylic and gold mirrored acrylic. The Baltic birch plywood will be cut into shapes with a CNC machine and custom stained with different wood tones. The printed sheets of acrylic are made from recycled plastics that are UV printed with custom colours. A aser cutter is then used to create the shapes of the mirrored gold acrylic and printed acrylic. All acrylic and wood cutouts will be installed directly onto the wall. Page 37 of 3�9 JWA; bot -W APO,, i'lp VON��I 4ft 4W 9 WW 14 V lb I P M h N�", • -r TOW MOT,— "If fop OIk 'all I 44 or j 1 4 -i. I rIN All% Ir PL • IA -r TOW MOT,— "If fop OIk 'all I 44 or j 1 4 -i. I rIN All% Ir • // MATERIALS ALL GOLD: LASER CUT ACRYLIC MIRROR li ALL BLUE: LASER CUT ACRYLIC N�& ALL PINK: ACRYLIC FASTENED TO THE WOOD FROM BEHIND WHITE BACKGROUND IS THE EXISTING WALL ALL BROWN: CNC CUT AND TAINED BALTIC BIRCH PLYWOOD i *** ALL COMPONENTS ARE INSTALLED DIRECTLY TO THE WALL Page 40 of IQ // MATERIALS 1 3/4" BALTIC BIRCH PLYWOOD AVAILABLE IN 4 X 8' SHEETS d 3/8" GOLD MIRRORED ACRYLIC AVAILABLE IN 4 X 8' SHEETS 3/8" CUSTOM PRINTED BLUE ACRYLIC AVAILABLE IN 4 X 8' SHEETS (MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTICS) 1/4" CUSTOM PRINTED PINK ACRYLIC AVAILABLE IN 4 X 8' SHEETS (MADE FROM RECYCLED PLASTI;P )ge 41 ofIC19 // DESIGN PROCESS: ACRYLIC FABRICATION r i h6 J ACRYLIC PANELS CUSTOM COLOUR PRINTED ACRYLIC SHEETS & GOLD MIRROR ACRYLIC SHEET VOT f! Wil 0 ACRYLIC PANELS ARE LASER CUT TO CREATE THE IMAGERY n RESULTING LASER CUT PANELS Page 42 of 19 // DESIGN PROCESS: WOOD FABRICATION PLYWOOD SHEETS 4. NZ 4q : q%- mom- -limb. ft 10 call F 7 ftz . PLYWOOD PANELS ARE CUT WITH A CNC MACHINE TO CREATE THE IMAGERY RESULTING CNC CUT WOOD IS STAINED, TREATED AND A PINK ACRYLIC PANEL IS FASTENED BEHIND TH E WOOD WH ERE TH IS A H EART CUT OUT Page 43 of la) // SCALE ON SITE PLAN o a fee 16210 e a a R ti LO Iq N Page 44 of 14 // SCALE 2000mm 1C i f 15,800mm f� j ARTWORK TOTAL SIZE: 2000 mm (height) x 15,800mm (width) x 25mm (deep this includes standoff hardware) EACH SEGMENT WILL BE A MAXIMUM OF 1900mm (height) x l Omm (deep) *Segments connect through discrete vertical seams. W Page 45 of I& //ARTWORK SYMBOLISM PEOPLE SYMBOLISE TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE THROUGH GENERATIONS STARS SYMBOLISE EDUCATION AND ARE A CATALYST FOR STORYTELLING EAGLE SYMBOLISES LOVE CRANE SYMBOLISES CELEBRATION HEARTS SYMBOLISE LOVE COMMUNITY, LAND & ANIMALS MAPLE LEAF SYMBOLISES CANADA *This symbolism is also used for the canvas option Page 46 of 3V(5 //ARTWORK SYMBOLISM STARS SYMBOLISE EDUCATION AND ARE A CATALYST FOR STORYTELLING PROTECTOR OF THE LAND MAPLE LEAF SYMBOLISES CANADA L - I BUFFALO SYMBOLISES RESPECT *This symbolism is also used for the canvas option PEOPLE SYMBOLISE TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE THROUGH GENERATIONS SYMBOLISES FAMILY HEARTS SYMBOLISE LOVE FOR COMMUNITY, LAND & ANIMALS Page 47 of l(79 // DETAIL // DETAIL Ar I ■ • • , • r♦lm // DETAIL W -.mop, Oe v N Page 50 of 399 jil- Oil Pi IT f Ij 41. LLL SSURF PIP Ij Ij A= 4 PL AL N NOTES ON MATERIALS ACRYLIC • Easily wipeable and disinfected • 100% recyclable • Sustains high levels of UV, extreme cold + withstanding temperatures of 1 80E without beginning to soften • Resists scratches and dents more effectively than many other kinds of plastic, keeping structures in good condition for longer • Half the weight of regular glass but is stronger than glass by far • Can be polished and restored • Ideal material for laser cutting BALTIC BIRCH PLYWOOD • Easily wipeable and disinfected • Ready to finish and stain • Consistent and stable • Ideal option for CNC cutting • 100% recyclable • Once stained, sustains high levels of UV, extreme cold + withstanding high temperatures • Resists scratches and dents more effectively than many other kinds of plastic, keeping structures in good condition for longer These materials have been chosen for durability, longevity and the ability to remain vibrant for decades. Page 52 of 29 // INSTALLATION All acrylic will be mounted to the walls using clear standoffs. All wood will be mounted to the walls using wooden standoffs that are finished to match the the wood tone of the artwork. These standoffs allow for a small space between the wall and artwork, giving a beautiful floating effect. 0 9 Im wr 1 �'1 � I MULTIPLE CLEAR STANDOFFS FOR ACRYLIC AND WOOD FINISHED STAND OFFS WILL BE USED t% HOW TO wall ova I 1 anchor standoff barrel r screw I NSTALL sign/panel plastic washer OStandoff barrel secures to wall with screw. QStandoff cap screw into barrel. INSTALLATION standoff cap C) T Page 53 of 2@) ///NOTES ON INSTALLATION & TIMELINE INSTALLATION • Acrylic is 2.136 lbs per square foot • Baltic Birch Plywood is 1.26 lbs per square foot • Acrylic and wood pieces of a maximum dimension of 4' x 6.5' will be delivered to the site • A scissor lift will be used to install all the stand-off plugs directly into the plywood backing of the wall • All acrylic and wood pieces will have small holes made to alowl for the standoffs to be connected • A scissor lift will be used to install the pieces of the artwork to the wall The WINTERTIME STORIES artwork, designed in wood and acrylic, should not pose any issue with the hanging or mounting requirements for the site as it falls well within the specified limit of 15 lbs/square foot for the long bulkhead/feature wall above the main programming area. Although the artwork is uniquely shaped it does not involve heavy materials so no additional analysis will be required. TIMELINE All artwork will be made in Ontario and we do not foresee and problems meeting the scheduled timeline. Page 54 of 24 // BUDGET Fees • Artist Fee: $23,000 (each artist receives $11,500 equal to •Project Management and Coordination: $5,000 • Insurance and legal fees: $2,000 Subcontractors' Fees • Graphic Designer for CNC and Laser Cut Files: $3,500 • Art Installers: $4,000 • Wood Finishing and Staining: $2,000 • Documentation: $2,500 Material Costs • Wood: $2,500 • Acrylic: $1,500 • Standoffs: $400 (with finishes) • Wood Stain and Finishing Materials: $600 Fabrication Costs • Prototyping: $1,700 • CNC Cutting: $2,000 • Laser Cutting: $1,500 • Fastening Acrylic to wood (pink hearts): $800 Transportation • Shipping and Handling of Material: • Delivery to the Site: $2,000 • Artist Team Travel Expenses: $500 10% Contingency: $6,500 Total Budget: $65,000 +HST $1,500 17.5%) These costs are based on estimates at this time. Actual costs may vary depending on the specifics of the project. Page 55 of 2& Ll , F X11 y - Page 56 of 399 I 11G1 INESS Bespoke Business Amkassa do rs TM HIGHNESS GLOBAL INC. highnessglobal-com I @highnesglobal I info@ highnessglobal Arnana Manori, CEO I amana@highnessglobal.com 1 1.647.501.6480 Nigel Nolan, Director I nigel@highnessglobal.com 1 1.437.234.9580 Collaborative Prosperity Model. Highness Global is a creative consulting agency that provides management and agency services to creative talent. Our work is done with an embedded sense of responsibility towards our clients. We are continually seeking thoughtful ways of empowerment in order to increase our clients' chances for long-term and self-sustaining success. We prosper when our clients prosper. No rules. No ceilings. No Thumbs. TM Highness Global seeks to continually expand the universe of opportunities for our clients by removing barriers, restructuring restrictive relationships and traditional power structures. Our model in unconstrained and limitless. Our intention is to transform static careers into multi -disciplinary careers. Our ultimate goal is to present art in unexpected places and in unexpected ways.