THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF KING REPORT TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE. The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department respectfully submit the following

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1 KING THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF KING REPORT TO COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE Monday November 2, 2015 Parks, Recreation & Culture Department PRC RE: Public Art Policy 1. RECOMMENDATIONS: The Parks, Recreation & Culture Department respectfully submit the following recommendations: a) That report PRC be received as information; and b) That Committee approve the Public Art Policy; and c) That Committee authorizes staff to move forward with the implementation of the policy. 2. PURPOSE: This report is to provide Committee with information on a Public Art Policy for the municipality and gain authorization to proceed. BACKGROUND AND PROPOSAL: King Township is fortunate to have a thriving arts community and marked growth in the arts and culture sector. The Public Art Policy (the "Policy") will capitalize on these unique characteristics and establish a long term vision for public art in King. The Policy provides a sound foundation for an emerging public art program and plans for its continued success and economic sustainability. Public art creates an engaging aesthetic profile within our community of communities; it enhances the natural and cultural heritage that is so prevalent in King. Public art also plays a role in attracting creative businesses and workers, and encourages the growth of a culturally informed public.

2 The value of public art is not in the assessment of the completed piece but includes its impact as a significant economic driver, its collaborative value and ability to enhance public spaces, and its social value that creates a way to allow us to express, reflect and enjoy our Township. The intent of the Policy is to guide the development of a public art program in King, to make public art a priority in the Township's continued growth and development, and to maintain public art as a valuable asset to the community. A successful Policy creates awareness, promotes engagement, and ensures longevity through responsible stewardship. 4. DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS: The Policy encourages the Township to increase the number of opportunities for the public to engage in the public art process. It also seeks to provide opportunities for artists to make meaningful contributions to the Township and to collaborate with Township staff, designers and other partners on special initiatives. The Public Art Policy reflects King's commitment to supporting creativity, quality and diversity in public art that complements and enhances public spaces while providing guiding principles for staff that ensure the appropriate development, management and maintenance of all public art. This will rely on open and transparent processes to ensure equitable and respectful practices for all involved parties. A successful and enduring public art presence in King relies on sustainable funding, responsible management, strategic planning, and appropriate maintenance and conservation. Consultation The policy has been a collaborative effort between staff, external stakeholders and members of the arts community. Staff believes that the document as presented is truly representative of the voice of the community and provides a solid approach for moving forward. Next Steps Should Committee approve the recommendations of this report, staff will focus on increasing the opportunities to provide public art and cultural programming in the communities of King.

3 5. INTEGRATED SUSTAINABILITY PLAN AND OTHER STRATEGIC DOCUMENT LINKAGE: Public Art has become recognized as an integral component of a vital, livable and healthy community and is identified in many Township initiatives including: Cultural Identity theme from the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan Celebrate, promote and maintain King Township's cultural identity. There are important opportunities to work with, expand, and build on the Cultural Identity of the community, making it a place of cultural interpretation and a destination for both residents and visitors. A Public Art Policy will work to enhance the profile of arts, culture and heritage thereby contributing to the socio-cultural vibrancy articulated through the sustainability planning process. Parks Recreation & Culture Master Plan Update To recognize the importance of the arts cultural and heritage sectors in municipal policy it is recommended that the Township examine ways to strengthen appropriate parts of its Official Plan/Community Plans as part of the ongoing comprehensive review process, in order to further recognize the great importance of the arts, culture and heritage; where applicable, references specific to the arts and culture should be incorporated therein. Specifically, the Master Plan Update recommends o Continue to invest in local arts, culture and heritage organizations and work towards increasing the number and level of municipal grants. o Continue to develop appropriate policies and create a municipal funding strategy guiding investments in local arts, culture and heritage system, which seeks to expand the creative infrastructure and provide local organizations with the ability to grow their internal capacity. o Evaluate outdoor parks and public spaces for their ability to integrate arts, culture and heritage-based amenities in to their design 6. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: In order to institute this policy the Township of King will need to establish an annual budget allocation for Public Art. A primary avenue to explore will be to seek voluntarily contributions from private donors, although it is still anticipated that this program will require some tax supported funding. Staff will begin the outreach process to potential contributors in early 2016 and, based on the uptake process, start a modest program in year with a focus on a larger scale effort in The item can be further discussed and planned for as part of the 2017 budget planning.

4 The effectiveness of this funding mechanism will be reviewed within two (2) years, with the intent of working toward a sustainable model with adequate, ongoing sources of funding similar to models employed in other municipalities (Toronto, Waterloo, Mississauga). ATTACHMENTS: Appendix 'A' - Public Art Policy Prepared By: Reviewed and Recommended By: Kathleen Fry Curator King Township Museum Chris Fasciano Director Parks, Recreation and Culture

5 Public Art Policy Adopted October 2015 Revisions Lead Department Lead Division N/A Parks, Recreation & Culture Culture

6 Appendix'A', PRC INTRODUCTION The Township of King is dedicated to enhancing arts and culture throughout the Township recognizing that it is an integral part of the community. Public Art can enrich and connect a community. It can add/enhance a sense of place in a symbolic or creative way that reveals an aspect of the social, natural, physical or historical context of the location. It has the ability to inspire, ignite, awaken, and animate a community. Public Art is also recognized as a significant tool for building economic development and tourism, by creating destinations for visitors and local residents. Among the principal goals of King Township's 2012 Integrated Sustainable Community Plan is enhancing King Township's Arts, Cultural, Heritage and Recreation Opportunities. The Plan specifically cites art in public spaces as a proposed initiative. Township Council approved a series of actions for arts, heritage and culture as part of the 2013 Parks, Recreation & Culture Master Plan Update. The Culture and Heritage Strategy in the Master Plan highlights the importance of developing opportunities for Public Art, resulting in the need for a Public Art Policy. By adopting a Public Art Policy, the Township of King is supporting recommendations in its Parks Recreation & Culture Master Plan Update and showing leadership in the support of Arts, Heritage and Culture to create a vibrant, sustainable community. 2. PURPOSE The purpose of the Public Art Policy is to provide a framework for the Township of King to encourage, fund, select and preserve Public Art in or adjacent to new or existing municipal buildings, infrastructure projects, parks, trails, and other Township owned or operated land and facilities. This Public Art Policy will act as the guiding document to create distinct and vibrant artistic spaces in King Township that are accessible for all citizens. At the same time it will enhance opportunities for artists and arts and culture organizations. 3. POLICY AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES Public Art enriches the daily lives of residents and visitors while complementing the natural assets of the Township. By installing art in public buildings, parks, open spaces, gateways and along our trails, we celebrate our culture, heritage, people, events and environment while enhancing our economic vibrancy. A Public Art Policy plans for increased placement of appropriate Public Art throughout the Township and ensures a steady stream of funding for art. Public Art Policy Parks, Recreation & Culture Department - Culture Division

7 Appendix'A', PRC Guiding Principles Public Art fosters an environment that promotes creativity and supports the importance of access to cultural experiences for everyone Public Art creates a more interesting, visually-rich community, and cultivates pride in our neighbourhoods and Township Public Art increases tourism and economic development by attracting visitors and potential investors, creating partnerships and employment opportunities, and increasing land values Public Art promotes the recognition of artists as an important asset for a vibrant community Public Art engages residents in dialogue about their community Public Art preserves and enhances our cultural identity 4. DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this policy the following definitions will apply: Public Art: defined as original art works of a permanent nature located inside or outside, but routinely accessible to the public at no cost. Public Art will be made by, or under the supervision of, a Professional Artist (defined below), and may include the following: Sculpture in any material or combination of materials whether in the round, basrelief, high relief, mobile, kinetic or electronic Murals Fibre works, glass, mosaics Original works of art that are specific to their site Fountains or water features that contribute aesthetically to their surroundings (excluding splash pads) Hard and soft landscaping components where these elements are an integral part of the original work of art, or are the result of collaboration among design professionals including at least one artist Special engineering or architectural features, such as walkways, windows, walls, floors or ceilings in areas that are publicly accessible; contribute aesthetically to their surroundings; and retain an interpretative aspect as determined by the commissioned artist Professional Artist: defined as an individual critically recognized as an artist by his/her peers and who; Has demonstrated skill, training and/or experience in an artistic discipline Can demonstrate an ongoing commitment to his or her art practice Artists may work as part of a design team with architects, engineers or others. Public Art Policy Parks, Recreation & Culture Department - Culture Division

8 Appendix'A', PRC Public Space: defined as areas frequented by the general public that are owned or operated by the Township of King. It includes, but is not limited to parks, road allowances, boulevards, streets, courtyards, squares and bridges as well as building exteriors, foyers, concourses and significant interior public areas of municipal buildings. 5. POLICY EXCLUSIONS This Policy does not pertain to: Artifacts Archival collections in museums, libraries or galleries Easily movable art works (i.e. paintings, drawings, models and books) that are not part of an acquisition to the Township's municipal collection Temporary art that does not leave a lasting record of its creation (i.e. ice sculptures or impromptu performance) Plaques and directional elements, such as super graphics, signage or colour coding, except where these elements are integral parts of the original work of art Engineering and architectural features that are extensions of the design of the architecture, landscape architecture or interior design of the development Art objects that are mass produced of a standard design, except where they may be part of a uniquely created art work 6. ADMINISTRATION Advisory Committee An Advisory Committee will be created with the purpose of creating and completing an implementation plan that outlines procedures, specific criterion, and the identification and prioritization of opportunities and sites for Public Art. This committee could include members of various municipal departments, local residents, arts groups or councils and key stakeholders. Selecting Public Art Part of the development of the plan will be creating Public Art Standards for assessing the artistic merit of a project, developing calls for artists and striking or mandating qualified juries. These will take into consideration site suitability, context, durability, maintenance requirements, financial implications, public safety and liability, consistent with the Township's Community Design Standards and other Township policies and initiatives as appropriate. All processes for acquiring and accepting art and selecting artists must be consistent with the Public Art Standards. Council approval of the Advisory Committee's recommendations is required for all Public Art projects. Public Art Policy Parks, Recreation & Culture Department -Culture Division

9 Appendix 'A', PRC Acquiring Public Art The Township of King may acquire ownership of original works of art in any media through direct purchase, commission or donation. Consideration of acquisition proposals will be made by the Advisory Committee for presentation to Council for approval. In so doing, the Advisory Committee will follow all of the appropriate standards and adjudication procedures outlined in the Public Art Standards and Public Art Plan to make recommendations. Gifts, donations and bequests of Public Art to the Township of King will be considered in a manner similar to all Public Art proposals. They must be deemed consistent with the overall Public Art Plan developed by the Advisory Committee and be accompanied by a maintenance/cost schedule. Council will make the final decision. In accordance with the criteria established in the Income Tax Act (Canada), the Township may issue a tax receipt to the donor. Independent appraisal costs will be the responsibility of the donor. Funding the Program It is anticipated that the program will required a dedicated annual budget. As a best practice, it is recommended that the annual operating budget include both an investment and restoration complement. These components will fluctuate year over year depending on the annual needs. Potential funding opportunities include private or corporate donations but will also require tax supported funds. Relocating or De-Accessioning of Public Art When appropriate or necessary, the Advisory Committee and Parks, Recreation & Culture staff will consider candidates for relocation or de-accessioning of permanent and temporary Public Art, and will report findings and recommendations to Council for approval. The art may be moved, sold, returned to the artist or otherwise disposed of with any monies received through the sale of art, being placed in the Public Art Reserve Fund. Review Period This Public Art Policy and the Public Art Plan will be reviewed and updated at least every 5 years. The Public Art Plan must be formally approved by Council before implementation. Public Art Policy Parks, Recreation & Culture Department- Culture Division