HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-10-001 - McLennan Park Public ArtREPORT
REPORT TO:
Community Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING:
January 11, 2010
SUBMITTED BY:
Mark Hildebrand, Direcotr, Community Programs and
Services
PREPARED BY:
Cheryl York, Arts/Culture Co-ordinator Ext 3381
WARD(S) INVOLVED:
Ward 4
DATE OF REPORT: December 11, 2009
REPORT NO.: CSD-10-001
SUBJECT:
MCLENNAN PARK PUBLIC ART
RECOMMENDATION:
That approval be given for the commission and installation of artwork titled “Moments”
by Gerry Houghton at McLennan Park; and,
That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorised to sign an agreement, satisfactory to the
City Solicitor, with Gerry Houghton regarding the obligations of the public art
commission.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Kitchener’s public art program places site-specific works of art at newly constructed
facilities and sites such as libraries, community centres, fire stations, parking garages, and
parks 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. Objectives of the program are to support communities, culture and artists, to
represent a diverse community, and improve the quality of life for all citizens through:
The integration of public art in prominent public spaces and in the city’s neighbourhoods
Fair and informed public art processes
Design standards that soar above the average in terms of quality and sustainability.
McLennan Park will enter its final stages of development beginning in 2010 with the impetus of
stimulus funding from other levels of government. The design consultant on the project is The
Walter Fedy Partnership. The regeneration of this former landfill site into an enjoyable gathering
spot for citizens inspired a new celebration of recreational community parks through public art. A
call for design proposals was advertised in October with a deadline for submissions of
November 19, 2009.
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REPORT:
Selection
The jury met on December 2, 2009 to consider the fourteen submissions received by the
application deadline. Jurors were: Marion Somers, Councillor Kelly Galloway, Terry Torra,
Robert Achtemichuk, Alison Burkett, Mark Christensen, John Cooper and Dan Ritz. The jurors
represented park stakeholders, the professional visual arts community and the ward councillor.
Applicant Gerry Houghton’s proposal titled “Moments” was selected. Mr Houghton is an
experienced artist with several public art commissions to his credit. He manages the Theme
West Studios in Penticton, B.C.
Concept
This proposal is for a sculpture composed of large-scale figures made of steel.
Artist’s concept drawing
The sculpture represents play, recreation and community in a relaxed setting of fun and
regeneration. Jurors noted that the design was relevant to the use and spirit of the park as a
recreational facility, responsive to the project brief, sensitive to park user groups and conveyed
the idea of fun and relaxation very well.
Timeframe
The work is projected to be installed in the autumn of 2010.
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Review of Jury Selection
The Public Art Working Group endorsed the jury’s selection on December 14, 2009 and
forwarded it to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee. ACAC met on December 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 percent for art was calculated at $40,000.
To enable a more significant, large-scale outdoor work to be commissioned, an additional
$10,000 was transferred from the Public Art Project Balances account for a total of $50,000.
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.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY:
Pauline Houston, General Manager, Community Services
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