HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-07-067 - Hanson Ave Athletic Complex Public Art
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Council
June 25, 2007
Cheryl York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator, Ext 3381
Cheryl York
Ward 3
June 21 , 2007
CSD-07 -067
Hanson Avenue Athletic Complex Public Art
RECOMMENDATION:
That Council endorse the commission of artwork titled "Re-flexions" by Allan Harding
MacKay; and,
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign an agreement, satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, with Allan Harding MacKay regarding the obligations of this commission.
BACKGROUND:
In accordance with Finance 1-650 "Percent for Art Policy", the 2007 Hanson Avenue Athletic
Complex capital project was eligible for a public art feature. Public art processes link artists and
communities, and contribute to both community and facility identity through fair and informed
public competition processes. The project steering committee worked with staff in the
development of terms of reference for a two-stage public competition of national scope. Artists
were asked to consider how creative work can enrich the building and site environment and
provide an enjoyable visual experience for the public. The competition was announced through
print and electronic media. Twenty-seven design proposals were received by the March 15,
2007 deadline.
REPORT:
Selection
On March 30, 2007, an appointed jury consisting of community representatives, visual arts
professionals, the architect and City staff convened to review the proposals. Three semi-finalists
were chosen to develop their concepts in more detail and to create a model, or artist's
maquette, of the concept.
On May 31, 2007 the selection committee met to select a finalist. The artists presented their
concepts and answered questions from the selection committee. A decision was made to offer
the commission, pending Council approval, to Kitchener artist Allan Harding MacKay.
The Public Art Working Group voted to support the selection at its June meeting. At the June 19
meeting of ACAC, further support for the selection was agreed.
ConceDt
"Re-flexion" is a site-specific art work with three interpretations, in different materials, of a motif.
The motif is a series of six images: figures engaged in the activities typical of those carried on at
the new facility such as hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, and walking.
The first use of the images will be as etched figures on six 4'x8' granite panels, installed as a
continuous unit, on an exterior wall of the building. This wall would be one near the main
entrance. The second use will be the same etched figures on approximately 100 square feet of
glass panels around the main entrance doors. The third use will be abstracted interpretations of
the figures in six 2'x3' coloured glass panels, plus one 4'x6' coloured glass panel. The panels
will be mounted and illuminated from the back to create 'light boxes'. These will be installed on
one wall in the foyer.
The facility users and visitors will thus experience the images, interpreted in three types of
material, in three locations from their approach to the building to their arrival inside.
Mr. MacKay's most recent public art commission (2005/6) was the Veteran's Memorial, Queen's
Park, Toronto. His professional career spans two decades of solo and group exhibitions. His
work has been collected by many private corporations and public institutions including the
National Gallery of Canada, the Department of National Defence, Guaranty Trust, and the
McMichael Canadian Art Collection.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
One percent of the Council-approved construction budget was calculated at $147,930, held in
capital account 636018. The art work is funded from this account at an amount not to exceed
$100,000. The remaining funds will cover the administrative costs of the competition and the
costs of art work installation.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The Hanson Avenue Athletic Facility 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. Ongoing co-operation of staff from
various departments and the participation of many people from our community on the selection
committee and advisory committees have met the communication standards required of the
City's public art projects. A media release will announce Council's approval of the selected
winning artist, Allan MacKay.
Cheryl York
Arts/Culture Co-ordinator
AP