HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-06-057 - Chandler Mowat Community Centre Public Art Competition
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Community Services
Report To:
Date of Meeting:
Submitted By:
Prepared By:
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Date of Report:
Report No.:
Subject:
Community Services Committee
May 1 , 2006
Cheryl York, Arts/Culture Facilitator Ext 3381
Cheryl York
Ward 4
April 25, 2006
CSD-06-057
CHANDLER MOWAT COMMUNITY CENTRE PUBLIC ART
COMPETITION
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council endorse the commission of artworks titled "Place of Friendship" and
"Gathering of Hands" by Jim Balzan and Hellen Sturgeon Cumber for the new Chandler
Mowat Community Centre; and further,
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement, satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, with Jim Balzan and Hellen Sturgeon Cumber regarding the obligations of
this commission.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with the "Percent for Art Policy" (Finance 1-650), the 2006 Chandler Mowat
Community Centre capital project was eligible for a public art feature. Public art processes link
artists and communities, and contribute to community identity through fair and informed public
competitions. The Chandler Mowat community consulted with the Arts/culture Co-ordinator in
2005 to produce a desired theme for this artwork. In February 2006, a public competition was
announced through print and electronic media. Ten design proposals were received by the
March 1 0, 2006 deadline.
REPORT:
On March 19, 2006, an appointed jury consisting of community representatives, City staff, and
the architect's representative met at Chandler Mowat to review the submissions. A consensus
was reached with the choice of the artist team of Jim Balzan and Hellen Sturgeon Cumber.
They proposed a two-part art feature called (1) "Place of Friendship" and (2) "Gathering of
Hands" .
Report No. CSD-06-057
Page 2
"Place of Friendship" will be a photo mural consisting of forty individual portraits 12 inches by 12
inches in the same type of structure as a patchwork quilt. The finished art work, laminated and
mounted for ease of maintenance, would be 96 inches by 60 inches. The goal is to celebrate
diversities while demonstrating that family and friends share common threads. Photographs of
those wishing to participate would be taken at Chandler Mowat Community Centre. Release
forms would be signed by participants. Complimentary prints will be given to each participant.
"Gathering of Hands" will be a painting overlaid with stamped handprints made from rubber
stamps. The stamps will be constructed from actual impressions of community members' hands.
This interactive art work, mounted, framed and sealed with a protective varnish, will measure 8
feet by 8 feet.
Both art works will be installed in the main reception area, the "gathering place". The artists
indicated a timeframe beginning in May 2006 and extending to November 2006.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Chandler Mowat Community Centre public art commission is funded at $13,000 from
capital account 636060. Additional administrative expenses related to the competition process
and installation expenses are drawn from the same account in an amount not to exceed $7,000.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The Chandler Mowat Community Centre public art project is guided by the principles detailed in
the Percent for Art Policy. These principles guarantee a fair and public process. An open call
for proposals was advertised in print and electronic media. Extensive consultation with the
community occurred before the call for entry was published and later during the jury process.
The process requires the ongoing co-operation of staff from various departments. A
neighbourhood event will be celebrated at the time of the unveiling of the art work.
Cheryl York
Arts/Culture Co-ordinator
AP