HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-09-052 - Country Hills Library Public ArtREPORT
REPORT TO:
Community Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
October 5, 2009
SUBMITTED BY:
Mark Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs and
Services
PREPARED BY:
Cheryl York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator (ext. 3381)
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
Ward 3
DATE OF REPORT: September 16, 2009
REPORT NO.: CSD-09-052
SUBJECT:
COUNTRY HILLS COMMUNITY LIBRARY PUBLIC ART
RECOMMENDATION:
That approval be given for the commission and installation of artwork titled “In Time” by
Jefferson Campbell-Cooper at the Country Hills Community Library; and,
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorised to sign an agreement, satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, with Jefferson Campbell-Cooper regarding the obligations of the library
public art commission.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener’s public art program places site-specific works of art at newly constructed
facilities such as libraries, community centres, fire stations, parking garages, and other civic
buildings to which the public has access. These art works, to date, have been permanent
installations, in a wide variety of styles and materials with a preference for innovation,
responsiveness to the site and public engagement, as well as low-maintenance and durability.
The project is eligible for public art through the City of Kitchener’s public art/percent for art
program. Through this mechanism, 1% of the construction cost is allocated for the acquisition of
public art. Country Hills Community Library was opened in 2004 as a wing of St Mary’s Catholic
High School (built 2002) at 1500 Block Line Road, Kitchener. The complex was designed by
Robertson Simmons Architects Inc.
The City’s partners in the public art project are the Kitchener Public Library and the Waterloo
Catholic District School Board.
“Imagine, Learn, Discover” are words identified by the stakeholders and user groups to describe
the activities taking place in this educational and recreational complex. The inspiration of those
natural areas beyond windows and walls that surround the property were also identified for the
applicants’ thematic consideration.
A call for design proposals was advertised in July with a deadline for submissions of August 12,
2009.
REPORT:
Selection
The jury met on August 27, 2009 to consider the six submissions received by the application
deadline. Jurors were: Kathryn Forler, Sandu Sindile, Ann Wood, Jeannie Tilson, Kathie Mulhall,
Brian Dietrich, Amanda Vanderzanden and Theresa Mendler for Councillor John Gazzola. The
jurors represented St. Mary’s staff and student body, Kitchener Public Library staff, the
professional visual arts community and the ward councillor.
The unanimous selection was Jefferson Campbell-Cooper’s “In Time”.
Concept
This proposal is for a series of six 4’ x 8’ panels painted with images of the region’s most
important geological ages and their transformation of the landscape outside of the library.
An additional feature is a “geologic clock” to be mounted next to the library’s current clock. An
informative panel will also be installed to provide more details about the subject matter of the
mural panels.
Jurors noted that the complex images would engage a range of age groups, and were
impressed with the imaginative concept, the work’s uniqueness, the artist’s experience in
completing art works on similar sized panels, its colourful nature, and its educational
components combining science and art. The work is durable and low-maintenance.
Timeframe
The works are projected to be installed by spring 2010.
Review of Jury Selection
The Public Art Working Group endorsed the jury’s selection on August 31, 2009 and forwarded
it to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. ACAC met on September 15; members agreed
with the selection and endorsed forwarding it to Committee and Council for approval.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Consistent with the City’s Public Art Policy (I-816), the public art project budget is $14,000.
$12,000 is provided for the commissioned art work and $2,000 allocated for signage and
administrative costs.
COMMUNICATIONS:
The project is guided by public art principles that guarantee a fair and public process. An open
call for expressions of interest 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 jury and advisory committees contribute to the communication standards of
the City’s public art projects. Councillor Kelly Galloway, a member of the KPL board, reported
news of the jury’s selection and the nature of the winning proposal to KPL’s September board
meeting. A media release will announce Council’s approval of the selected winning artist,
Jefferson Campbell-Cooper.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services