Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes

Transcription

1 Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes 2E - Community Room A City Hall Avenue Surrey, B.C. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015 Time: 5:10 P.M. File: Present: Councillor Villeneuve - Chair J. Adams V. Gillespie S. Kwantes D. Langtry B. McMurray M. Mikelson D. Purvey K. Shoemaker C. Snowber G. Van Gauthier Regrets: Staff Present: S. McKinnon, Manager, Arts Services L. Davison, Visual and Community Art Manager A. Green, Public Art Coordinator C. Jesson, Legislative Services A. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. The minutes of the Public Art Advisory Committee meeting, held October 8, 2015, to be adopted. It was meeting be adopted. Moved by J. Adams Seconded by M. Mikelson That the minutes of the October 8, 2015 Carried B. DELEGATIONS 1. Artist in Residence for Newton Recreation Centre Re: Artwork Proposal for the Newton Recreation Centre A. Green, Public Art Coordinator, introduced Sean Alward, Artist-in-Residence for the curtain wall glass frit artwork project at the Newton Recreation Centre. A brief review of the renovation and various additions to the building was provided, noting the curtain wall installation area within the larger part of the renovation on the south side of the building. It was reported that the artwork's schematic design and final design is not due until the end of December, with installation anticipated for next summer. Mr. Alward provided an overview of his work to-date as follows: The artwork will be a glass frit that is also functional by serving to block 60% sunlight and still provide 40% visibility for crime prevention. h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 1

2 During the initial site visit, he was immediately attracted to the Grove beside the recreation centre building and struck by the fact that in the middle of Newton there was a stand of trees. A further visit to the Grove fell within the mushroom season. There were a number of mushrooms that were growing, not planned, not organized, just there, representing an invisible continuity and pattern that kept reappearing. This provided the conceptual direction in response to the thematic question of weaving community together. Unfortunately photos of the mushrooms did not translate very well digitally and were not a strong enough graphic image for the frit. Keeping with the idea of plants, especially original native plants within the recreation centre area, and thinking in terms of a graphic for the wall, the concept of ferns emerged. Given the parameters of the artwork to be white in colour with a repeating pattern, the fern represents an opportunity to work within those parameters (and limited budget) and also provides an opportunity to metaphorically represent the sori on the back of the fern (groups of sporangia that serve as spore cases) with the dots of the frit. (Basic mock-up images were shown). We have restrictions of only a few screens and a repeating pattern to create the frit design as each screen is an additional cost. It is important the pattern does not look like wallpaper. As such, there will be one design positioned to create 11 different prints for the 40 panes of glass, providing a unique overall image. The images and design have been given to the architects to put in a program ( grasshopper ) that adds the dots and calculates the solar access, ensuring the 60% sunblock and 40% visibility is achieved. The glass will be clear, slightly greenish, which fits the theme. A 100% scale example will be made to ensure the image and dots appear on the glass as envisioned. In terms of the theme "weaving the community together", my interpretation was to use nature. Whatever background one has, nature is something that almost everyone responds to and feels good about; a common touch stone. These ferns have been here a long long time and it is something we can identify and appreciate; weaving nature and weaving in time. The Committee conveyed their appreciation and support of the design, noting that the images provided expressed movement in a unique and beautiful way. Staff reported that the concept was also provided to the stakeholders who were very positive about the image and responded intuitively that images of nature are comforting and welcoming. The fern is seen as a resilient plant and Newton is a resilient community. Expanded from there, it was also recognized that the image is of that place, from that place and as important to First Nations as a food source, a survival food in difficult times, medicinal and practical. It is a positive and transcultural message. h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 2

3 It was Moved by D. Langtry Seconded by S. Kwantes That the Public Art Advisory Committee approve the concept of the artwork, as presented, for the Newton Recreation Centre. Carried C. OUTSTANDING BUSINESS L. Davison, Visual and Community Art Manager, provided the following updates: 1. Project Updates (Ongoing) a) Newton Recreation Centre Discussion of this item above, item B.1. b) Surrey Operations and Civic Infrastructure Public Art Plan A brief update of the Alan Storey, Artist-in-Residence, art installation for the Operations Centre, was provided as follows: The artist is proceeding with the schematic design. The concept now is to use archival and contemporary photographic imagery looking at before and after of Surrey. Proposed artwork will look similar to the cutout surface on other walls of the Operations Centre building. The artwork will consist of various strips, operated by an anemometer or wind vang, so when the wind blows, each strip will move individually and spin independently. Mr. Storey is open to the idea that the image may change by others later in time. Based on previous experience with similar design features, it was suggested by the Committee that custom technology for this artwork should be avoided as much as possible and that off the shelf technology will reduce the likelihood of encountering problems. c) West Village Park and District Energy Plant Artist-in-Residence for the West Village Park and District Energy Plant public artwork, Erica Stocking, has started her project and has taken very much to heart that the artwork be welcomed by the community. She has met with the strata next door to the site and has also put together an advisory committee of people in the neighbourhood. h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 3

4 A mini charrette (ideas workshop) was held on November 19 th at the City Centre Library, inviting local residents to meet the artist and help shape the artwork planned for the West Village Park. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the neighbours and explore public art and the possibility of how the new sculpture might represent the hearth theme. The artist is pursuing this as a central idea denoting a place where the community gathers around. (A copy of the poster advertising the charrette was shown). Ms. Stocking will also be reaching out and working with youth and talking to the local fire hall about fire, fireplaces, etc. It is anticipated that Ms. Stocking may be able to speak to the Committee at the meeting in January. d) Hazelgrove Park A. Green, Public Art Coordinator, provided an update as follows: The foundation for the Susan Point artwork Water Guardian (Frog Umbrella) is installed. Final design and Building Permit has been issued, and Schedule B has been approved by the structural engineer; ready to start fabrication. The Parks Department is looking at having a soft opening of the park in May, 2016; it is anticipated the artwork will be installed before then. 2. Maintenance Update A. Green, Public Art Coordinator, provided an update on public art maintenance as follows: a) Multiples of Three (Meagan Anne MacDougall Park - Fleetwood) At the last meeting the question of relocation was raised and the relocation recommendation options from the landscape architect have been explored. The recommendation supported is to keep the artwork in the park. Research into the original intention of the artist has resulted in a good solution for the artwork as the artist had originally intended that it would be a wall piece (but it became freestanding). Now the thought is to put a piece of the artwork against the building, but tight enough to the building and back lighting installed, as to prevent any CPTED issues. (Architectural images where shown.) The artwork is very heavy, made of corten steel. It will be cleaned and research to find a sealant to make it a bit more attractive, as well as reduce the attraction for graffiti in the future, is underway. The cladding of the (almost) two-story building is concrete. The Parks Department will work with Public Art staff to ensure the trees h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 4

5 are in suitable locations not to obstruct the artwork while deterring from the solid concrete building. The entire park will be a major reservoir, part of the Metro Vancouver water system. D. NEW BUSINESS 1. Proposed City Centre Public Art Plan L. Davison, Visual and Community Art Manager, reported the following: Public art staff were invited to enhance the City Centre public art plan in more detail than what is currently included in the Public Art Master Plan, as part of the Arts section of the City Centre Master Plan currently in development by the City s Planning Department. The City Centre Master Plan s Arts section will include not only current and envisioned future public art locations, but also cultural catalyst projects, and will include a section on the cultural corridor. The draft City Centre Plan will go forward to Council in the new year. One of the Public Art Master Plan s features that will be enhanced is the walking art loop. Originally conceived as a loop from Holland Park north to the artwork Lightmodel, it is now recommended that this be updated as an art walk only along University Boulevard between the artworks near the Chuck Bailey Recreation Centre at 108 Avenue and Holland Park. Lightmodal will now serve as the gateway artwork into Surrey from the North on King George Boulevard and will mark the northern end of the Cultural Corridor. The City Centre public art plan envisions enhancing this walking route along University Boulevard with some creative additions to the façade of the parkade of the Central City Shopping Centre and the building façade of the Whalley Ball Park, as well as creative tree grates and bicycle racks. In time, the art walk will include an arm west along 103 Avenue that connects with the West Village Park and Energy Plant and Erica Stocking s artwork and the Nautilus artwork by Doug Taylor. 2. Murals proposed for Whalley Ball Park and Surrey Central Skytrain Station L. Davison, Visual and Community Art Manager, introduced some concepts for the murals proposed for Whalley Ball Park: It was really clear that the civic facility of the Whalley Ball Park could do with some façade enhancement of blank walls of the building that face University Boulevard (e.g. a vinyl wrap or some sort of esthetic feature). A concept for the mural that would contribute to placemaking and community building for people, would be a form where individuals could make a mark and see these contributions assembled together. Examples were shown of various designs that achieved this goal. h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 5

6 A second mural may be installed in up to three of the long-term hoarding (the face on the outside of a construction site) locations surrounding the site of the Surrey Central SkyTrain's new station house, currently undeveloped space under the north end of the platform: A. East side of the construction zone: along City Parkway area is approximately 36m long; B. North side of the construction zone: in the pedestrian path connecting City Parkway with the City of Surrey s Civic Complex (any design in this location must be at least 50% transparent to ensure CPTED principles are met) area is approximately 40m long; and C. South side of the construction zone: along the existing retail beneath the platform area area is approximately 10m long. The precise location of the hoarding and the mural(s) will be confirmed when the construction hoarding is installed. o Mural size should be a minimum of 2.4m (8 ft.) high and 9.8m (32 ft.) wide. o Mural display period likely to be June 2016 to September o Mural material to be determined likely painted plywood or vinyl wrap. The final material must be agreed upon between TransLink, the City of Surrey and the construction company. It is a wonderful way to involve people in that neighbourhood. Creating an image of their home, where they live, what they would like people to see when they arrive, etc. There will be more discussion on this in the new year. E. ITEMS REFERRED BY COUNCIL F. CORRESPONDENCE 1. Proposed 2016 Meeting Dates File No The memo from the City Clerk, dated November 25, 2015, regarding the proposed 2016 Public Art Advisory Committee meeting dates was reviewed. It was Moved by B. McMurray Seconded by J. Adams That the Public Art Advisory Committee adopt the 2016 Public Art Advisory Committee Meeting Schedule, as presented. Carried h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 6

7 G. INFORMATION 1. Creative City Network of Canada Summit - Surrey 2016 S. McKinnon, Manager, Arts Services, reported the following: Municipalities are playing a growing role in the development of arts, culture and heritage in Canada. The Creative City Network of Canada (CCNC) was established by a group of local Metro Vancouver cultural workers about 14 years ago. As a national non-profit organization that operates as a knowledge sharing, research, public education and professional development resource in the field of local cultural policy, planning and practice, the CCNC is a network of experts working in this field in communities across Canada. Through its work, the CCNC helps build the capacity of local cultural planning professionals and by extension local governments to nurture and support cultural development in their communities. By doing so, the CCNC aims to improve the operating climate and conditions for artists, arts, heritage and cultural organizations across the country, and the equality of life in Canadian communities of all sizes. Each year, members of the CCNC, along with artists, not-for-profit arts organizations, planners, architects and funders from all levels of government gather for a Summit. Cities bid to host the Summit. In 2015 the Summit was held in Kelowna and in 2016 Surrey was chosen to host the Summit; in future years it will travel to Halifax (2017), Mississauga (2018) and Saskatoon (2019). The dates for the Creative City Summit in Surrey will be October 17 th 19 th. Delegates will be staying at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel where most of the keynote speakers, panels and peer to peer learning sessions will take place. A national committee of CCNC members is hard at work planning these educational components. As the host city, Surrey is responsible for the Welcome Reception, Artistic Animation and local Study Tours. This is a great opportunity to work with all of our local partners to showcase Surrey's arts and heritage, including public art. Public Art features highly in the Summit programming, including a half day pre-conference event 'Public Art Roundtable', a popular session in Kelowna this year, hosted by Cath Burnner of 4Culture in Seattle, Wa., and attended by 85 delegates. Cath was also one of the keynote speakers this year. The Kelowna Summit also provided a Public Art Year in Review presentation, where key projects from across Canada were highlighted in a Pecha Kucha style format. Surrey's proposal on the Surrey Urban Screen was selected and A. Green, Public Art Coordinator, was there to present this work. An opportunity to promote the 2016 Summit in Surrey was provided at the Kelowna Summit. A video was presented and invitation cards were distributed to all the delegates (copies provided on table). h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 7

8 The video, as shown in Kelowna, was provided, noting that it will also be available on the CCNC website, with a similar version uploaded on the City's website. H. OTHER BUSINESS 1. Recognition of Retiring Public Art Advisory Committee Members The Chair thanked all of the members of the Committee for their hard work throughout 2015, noting the accomplishments and future public art opportunities for Surrey. The Committee and staff expressed their deep appreciation for the dedication and expertise received from Mary Mikelson, Grace Van Gauthier and Kevin Shoemaker, during their tenure as PAAC members, each of whom has served their maximum term on the Committee as at December 31, In appreciation of the years of service to the Committee, the retiring PAAC members were presented with a gift to recognize their valuable contribution to the Committee. They will be greatly missed. I NEXT MEETING DATE The next meeting of the Public Art Advisory Committee will be held on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at 5:00 p.m., in City Hall, 2E - Community Room A. J. ADJOURNMENT It was meeting do now adjourn. Moved by J. Adams Seconded by D. Langtry That the Public Art Advisory Committee Carried The Public Art Advisory Committee adjourned at 6:31 p.m. Jane Sullivan, City Clerk Councillor Villeneuve, Chair Public Art Advisory Committee h:\clerks\council select committees\public art advisory committee\minutes\2015\min paac docx Page 8