HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-09-047 - Charles and Benton - Public Art ProjectREPORT
REPORT T0: Mayor and Members of Council
DATE OF MEETING: August 24, 2009
SUBMITTED BY: Mark Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and
Services
PREPARED BY: Cheryl York, ArtslCulture Co-ordinator
WARD(S) INVOLVED: Ward 6
DATE OF REPORT: August 13, 2009
REPORT NO.: CSD-09-047
SUBJECT: CHARLES AND BENTON GARAGE -PUBLIC ART
PROJECT
RECOMMENDATION: FOR INFORMATION
BACKGROUND:
At its meeting on Monday, August 10, 2009, the Finance and Corporate Services Committee
considered report CSD-09-044 which contained a recommendation for public artwork to be
approved for the parking garage at Charles and Benton.
The artwork proposed is a series of seven figures, called "Pedestrian" by Ted Fullerton. The life-
size figures would be installed in a flowing configuration from near the roof of the building to
street level.
A concern was raised about the vulnerability of the street-level figure to vandalism. Mayor Zehr
asked if the artist's concept design could be changed to eliminate the street-level figure. After
further discussion regarding the integrity of the artist's creative concept, committee approved
the recommendation "That approval be given for the commission and installation of artwork
titled "Pedestrian" by Ted Fullerton at the Charles and Benton Parking Garage:". However, it
was requested that staff present an additional report for the August 24 meeting of Council to
respond to Mayor Zehr's question.
REPORT:
The call for expressions of interest, advertised in April 2009, specified three potential locations
for public art that artists should consider:
^ On the brick wall space above the retail component (Benton Street)
^ On the brick wall space above the Charles Street entrance way
^ At pedestrian level, along the Benton Street side of the building.
Mr. Fullerton's proposal responded to the preferred options by utilizing both wall and sidewalk
locations.
Criteria for selection of preferred artwork were as follows:
^ Relevance to the downtown context
^ Response to the Site
^ Creative Excellence
^ Feasible from a technical fabrication, installation & maintenance perspective
In addition, artists were asked to propose art works of suitable dimensions for the site made of
durable, low maintenance materials. The jury found that of all the submissions, Mr. Fullerton's
proposal was unique in its ability to meet all of these criteria.
"Pedestrian" responded to the building's architecture, echoed the downtown King Street
"pedestrian first" theme, and would engage people in a direct way with its figure at street level.
The bronze sidewalk-sited figure was understood to tie all of the design elements together, as
well as provide a direct connection with pedestrians.
The artist was contacted for his comments: "It is my position and belief based on previous
experience that because the bronze figure will be positioned in a high profile area and
prominently lit with designated lighting as well as ambient street lighting that this will be a major
deterrent for any vandalism. As well, the position within regular pedestrian traffic flow will also
act as a major deterrent. The sculpture material, cast bronze, will be resistant to any sizable
impact (other than an automobile}. In addition, the surface of the figure will have a textural
quality, not a flat surface which is the usual invitation for graffiti. Lastly, the figure will be covered
with a foundry wax that will act as a protective layer over the bronze patina. So, if graffiti
happens, the wax is easily removed (with the added marks) and a new coat applied.
In short, I do not believe the sidewalk figure is at risk due to its high profile position, additional
lighting and the cast bronze material. I also believe it is important for the sidewalk figure to be
included to complete the installation as envisioned."
The Charles and Benton corner is a high profile and high volume location. Its visibility and light
levels are deterrents to vandalism. In the event that there is vandalism, it will be dealt with
promptly as is the case with other public artworks.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: NIA
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services