MEDIA PACKAGE. Backgrounders. About the Program:

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1 MEDIA PACKAGE Backgrounders About the Program: History: Building the Public Art Policy The Public Art Policy and Public Art Guidelines Acquisition Process Percent for Art Projects: Annual Review (Projects): 2004 o Skywalk o Celebrations o From the Clouds to the Water o The Language of Life o An Auspicious Find Annual Review (Projects): 2005/2006 o Crenellated Habitat o Strung II o Bridge, Abridged o Jumping Trout o Water Garden o Untitled located at the Water Centre o Tracking the Trail o Untitled located at McKnight Blvd. o The Colour of Snow Reporting: Annual Review: 2004 Civic Art Collection: What is the Collection? Why is the Collection unique? Where did the Civic Art Collection come from? Questions? Contact Rowena James, Program Coordinator, Public Art Program [email protected] Backgrounder 0a, V.0.6: August 31, 2007

2 About the Program Building the Public Art Policy The need for a Council-approved Public Art Policy was identified in 1996 to provide guidelines around accepting or declining art donations, commissioning and purchasing art, and installing artwork in public places. Administration requested the Public Art Committee of the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) provide input to help develop the policy. CAAF is an independent not-for-profit organization which has a long relationship with The City of Calgary through the Civic Art Collection. In 1998, CAAF gathered information from across North America about municipal public art programs. CAAF also held workshops with arts stakeholders and surveyed key City and private stakeholders. These efforts resulted in a draft document in Council approved the percent for art funding strategy on May 27, 2003 (CPS ). Council directed the Administration to work with affected business units, the Civic Arts Policy Review Steering Committee, and CAAF to finalize the Public Art Policy and Public Art Operations Guidelines. The Public Art Policy and Public Art Operations Guidelines were presented to the Standing Policy Committee (SPC) on Community and Protective Services on December 3, 2003 (CPS ). The Public Art Definitions Glossary was also an attachment. All documents are available online at The proposed documents were unanimously approved in January The Public Art Program is operated by City of Calgary Public Art Program staff with partners including the Public Art Board, City departments, juries and support services. Backgrounder 1, V.0.4: July 16, 2007

3 About the Program The Public Art Policy and Public Art Guidelines The Public Art Policy The Public Art Policy (available online at was approved by City of Calgary Council in January The Policy describes the mission, funding strategy, process and management of the Public Art Program. The mission includes guiding the evolution of a distinct and vibrant artistic character for the city s emerging public spaces and ensuring a visual legacy. One funding mechanism includes a percent for public art strategy, where eligible capital projects use 1% of the budget for a public art component. The process describes how public art projects are selected on merit through by a jury which includes expertise from artists, arts professionals, business unit experts and community representatives. Gifts, donations and bequests are considered in a manner similar to project selection. The policy also describes the conditions where The City of Calgary can de-accession public art. The Public Art Program is operated by City of Calgary Public Art Program staff with partners including the Public Art Board, City departments, juries and support services. Public Art Program staff develop documentation, coordinate projects, provide training, research and development services, and maintain the city s visual arts assets. The Public Art Board is a voluntary advisory body appointed by Council. A minimum of two visual artists are joined by up to seven arts or design professionals, business people or members of the general public. Public Art Guidelines The Public Art Guidelines document (available online at was approved by City of Calgary Council in January The Guidelines identify Public Art Partners, Public Art Program staffing requirements and the process for commissioning public art. The Guidelines also discussed the funding strategy and an initial action plan for creating the Public Art Program. Backgrounder 2, V.0.2: July 16, 2007

4 About the Program Acquisition Process Who determines the process to acquire Public Art? The Public Art Policy [approved by Council in 2004 and available online at determines the process for the planning, commission, purchase, gift, donation and bequest of public art for The City of Calgary. Public Art Policy What is included as Public Art? The Public Art Program manages several collections, including the Civic Art Collection and projects resulting from the percent for art strategy. The scope of public art shall include discrete, semi-integrated, integrated and temporary works. Public Art Policy What is the process to acquire Public Art? Public art shall be selected on merit through a process informed by expertise and community input. Public Art Policy Civic Art Collection: The Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) is trustee of endowment funds which are used to purchase new works. Percent for art strategy: Proposals shall be solicited through open competition, invited competition or direct award and shall be selected by a jury appointed on a project specific basis. Public Art Policy Can I donate art to The City? Gifts, donations and bequests of public art shall be considered in a manner similar to all public art proposals. Each gift, donation and bequest shall be reviewed by a jury to assess artistic merit, site suitability and context, durability and maintenance requirements, financial implications, public safety and liability. Public Art Policy Can I put up my own art in a public space? Permission must be obtained from The City of Calgary Public Art Program before art is installed in public spaces. Note the requirement for a jury assessment. Any items placed in parks or near pathways, streets or on boulevards without permission will be removed as per relevant bylaws, including the Parks & Pathways Bylaw (20M2003). Backgrounder 28, V.0.2: August 20, 2007

5 Projects Annual Review: 2004 Skywalk Derek Besant. A 14 panel frieze that depicts a stretched panoramic of the Chinook prairie sky. Located on the Canyon Meadows Light Rail Transit (LRT) pedestrian bridge spanning Macleod Trail South. Budget: $70,000. Celebrations Barbara Amos. A modular piece situated high on a cinder block wall, made up of 16 panels to create a finished work which is 24 by 90 feet. Located inside Cardel Place at Country Village Link NE in 3. Budget: $26,000. From the Clouds to the Water George Duncan. A collection of forged and wrought iron decorative panels installed within a pre-existing fence, plus two coordinating park benches. Located at 28th Avenue and 30th Street SW. Budget: $24,000. The Language of Life James Holroyd. This poetic piece consists of four large (42 by 63 ) black and white photographic images of figures in motion. Located at the Thornhill Aquatic and Recreation Center (6715 Center Street N) in 4. Budget: $24,000. An Auspicious Find Lori Sobkowich. Four pixilated images created with approximately 15,000 glass marbles which are captured in perforated and riveted steel framing. These images of flora and fauna are elevated to eye level on four simple concrete forms which are situated at right angles to each other. Located on the Prince s Island Park main pathway (4 St. & 1 Ave. SW). Budget: $24,000. Backgrounder 4, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

6 Projects Skywalk Derek Besant. Description A 14 panel frieze that depicts a stretched panoramic of the Chinook prairie sky. The image is a computer reconstruction built by the artist, printed on layers of industrial vinyl adhesive film with an ultraviolet inhibitor skin surface. On a grey day, the Skywalk mural will be a welcome glimpse of blue sky, while on a sunny day, the frieze will help blend the bridge structure into the skyline. Located on the Canyon Meadows Light Rail Transit (LRT) pedestrian bridge spanning Macleod Trail South in 13 and 14. Commissioning Business Unit Transportation Project Office. Timeline February to September Selection Process Invitational Call. Project Budget $70,000. For More Information Highlights of projects from the Public Art Program can be found online at Backgrounder 13, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

7 Projects Celebrations Barbara Amos. Description A modular piece situated high on a cinder block wall, made up of 16 panels positioned singularly, or in vertical stacks, to create a finished work which is 24 by 90 feet at its maximum height and length. The work consists of brilliantly colored figural pieces interspersed with abstract components which depict the activities which take place in the facility. Calligraphic marks and stripes are integrated into the panels, lending a spontaneous gestural quality to the work. The piece as a whole is meant to reflect the note of celebration felt throughout the building, as well as the excitement, anticipation and intense focus found there. Located inside Cardel Place at Country Village Link NE in 3. Commissioning Business Unit Recreation. Timeline February to September Selection Process Open Call. Project Budget $26,000. Backgrounder 14, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

8 Projects From the Clouds to the Water George Duncan. Description A collection of forged and wrought iron decorative panels installed within a pre-existing fence, plus two coordinating park benches. River rock was incorporated into the design process and enables the architectural elements to blend into the natural environment. The flowing lines of the pieces suggest both a feeling of flow and movement, while maintaining a tranquil, calming effect. The undulating lines were created using traditional blacksmithing techniques. 28th Avenue and 30th Street SW in 8. Commissioning Business Unit Wastewater, Utilities & Environmental Protection. Timeline February to September Selection Process Invitational Call. Project Budget $24,000. Backgrounder 15, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

9 Projects The Language of Life James Holroyd. Description This poetic piece consists of four large (42 by 63 ) black and white photographic images of figures in motion. Each photograph is a multiple exposure of a single figure engaged in one of the many activities that take place within the Thornhill Aquatic and Recreation facility. Images of weight training, swimming, tai chi and hockey are depicted. The blurred nature of the images allows the photographs to express the essence of universality of a dynamic body in motion. Thornhill Aquatic and Recreation Center (6715 Center Street N) in 4. Commissioning Business Unit Recreation. Timeline February to November Selection Process Open Call. Project Budget $24,000. Backgrounder 16, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

10 Projects An Auspicious Find Lori Sobkowich. Description Four pixilated images created with approximately 15,000 glass marbles which are captured in perforated and riveted steel framing. These images of flora and fauna are elevated to eye level on four simple concrete forms which are situated at right angles to each other. The theme encompasses the ecological aspects a visitor to Prince s Island might encounter water, air and land. The images themselves are a contemporary version of the traditional stained glass panel, making the changing direction and quality of the natural light as much an element of the sculpture as the glass, metal and stone. Prince s Island Park Main Pathway (4 St. & 1 Ave. SW) in 7. Commissioning Business Unit Parks. Timeline January to October Selection Process Open Call. Project Budget $24,000. Backgrounder 17, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

11 Projects Annual Review: 2005/2006 Crenellated Habitat Tony Bloom. Located at John Laurie Boulevard NW. Budget: $75,000. Strung II Gord Ferguson. Located at Crowchild and Sarcee Trial NW. Budget: $80,000. Bridge, Abridged Adam Kuby. Located at Glenmore Trail and Legsby Road SW. Budget: $252,000. Jumping Trout s Violet Costello and Bob Thomasson. Located at Glenmore Trail and the Elbow Drive/Fifth Street SW interchange. Budget: (including fabrication and $46,000 artist fee): $425,900. Water Garden Linda Covit. Located in the Water Centre (Spiller Road and 25 Ave. SE). Budget: $150,000. Untitled (BG23) located at the Water Centre Thomas Sayre. Located at the Water Centre (Spiller Road and 25 Ave. SE). Budget: $250,000. Untitled (BG25) located at McKnight Blvd. s Jim Hirschfield and Sonya Ishii. Located at McKnight Boulevard and 36th Street NE. Budget: $308,000. Tracking the Trail Roger Gaudreau. Located on the Bow River Bridge at Marquis de Lorne Trail SE. Budget: $221,000. The Colour of Snow Barbara Grygutis. Three locations: Centennial NW Light Rail Transit station, bridge at Nose Hill Drive, and the Crowfoot Connector bridge. Budget: $323,000. Backgrounder 6, V.0.1: July 25, 2007

12 Percent for Art Projects Crenellated Habitat Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Crenellated Habitat Tony Bloom John Laurie Blvd. N.W. 4 & 7 Transportation Infrastructure Complete Open call $75,000

13 Percent for Art Projects Strung II Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Strung II Gord Ferguson Crowchild/ Sarcee Tr. NW 1 Transportation Infrastructure Installation Open call, then Invitational call $80,000

14 Percent for Art Projects Bridge, Abridged Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Bridge, Abridged Adam Kuby Glenmore Tr. and Legsby Rd. 11 Transportation Infrastructure Installation Roster $252,000

15 Percent for Art Projects Jumping Trout Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Jumping Trout Violet Costello and Bob Thomasson Glenmore Trail / Elbow Drive / 5 th Street SW 11 Transportation Infrastructure Installation Open call $46,000

16 Percent for Art Projects Water Garden Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Water Garden Linda Covit Water Centre (Spiller Rd. and 25 Ave. S.E.) 9 Utilities and Environmental Protection Installation Open call $150,000

17 Percent for Art Projects Untitled Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Untitled Thomas Sayre Water Centre (Spiller Road and 25 Ave. S.E.) 9 Utilities and Environmental Protection Installation Roster $250,000

18 Percent for Art Projects Untitled Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Untitled Jim Hirschfield and Sonya Ishii McKnight/ 36 th Street N.E. 3 Transportation Infrastructure Fabrication Roster $308,000

19 Percent for Art Projects Tracking the Trail Title Business Unit Status Selection Process Public Art Budget Tracking the Trail Roger Gaudreau Marquis de Lorne Tr. S.E. (Bow River Bridge) 12 and 14 Transportation Infrastructure Fabrication Roster $221,000

20 Percent for Art Projects UEP PUBLIC ART PLAN The UEP Public Art Plan (2006) takes a leading step in North America through its innovative and forward-thinking approach in integrating public art into utilities and environmental systems. The Plan also capitalizes on the City s excellent environmental record as steward of the Bow River. As the projects are put into effect, they will position Calgary as a visionary city with regard to public art and infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The working sites/projects were identified as follows: Edworthy Park Memorial Drive Parkdale Blvd /3rd Avenue NW Eau Claire, Centre City and the Beltline Nose Creek at Laycock Park Pearce Estate Park and Weir UEP Water Centre Complex Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant Shepard Legacy Park

21 Reporting Annual Review:2004 The focus of 2004 was on Program development which included governance and operating structures, putting the appropriate people and processes in place, in order to create a foundation upon which the Program can build and grow. Governance Council appointed nine outstanding citizens to make up the first Public Art Board. This Board was created to provide expert community input to public art processes for The City of Calgary. An Interdepartmental Public Art Team (IPAT), comprised of representatives from participating business units, was created. This group provides interdepartmental communication and direction into Program development and operations. The Public Art Program staff structure was finalized including the appointment of an Art Collections Coordinator who will manage the Civic Art Collection. Processes Based on best practice research, a project plan template was developed to assist both the commissioning business units and the Public Art Program staff with the critical planning phase of public art projects. An effective and coordinated system for soliciting interest and proposals from artists was actualized, as was the process of informing and educating artists about the individual projects. Because a credible selection process is critical to the success of the Public Art Program, stringent jury processes were put in place and conflict of interest issues addressed. A framework was developed outlining the various components of the Public Art Master Plan, which will communicate a long term vision and detailed strategies for future investment in public art. Funding The percent for art funding strategy proved to be successful. The % capital project budget was implemented as projected. Total funding from the 1% allocations, amounted to $1.09M. Backgrounder 3, V.0.1: July 16, 2007

22 Civic Art Collection What is the Collection? Historic Some of the oldest pieces in the Collection date back to the mid- 1800s, and were donated to by The Devonian Foundation, a prominent philanthropic organization known for its significant contributions to The City of Calgary. The earliest commissioned work is The Boer War Memorial in Central Memorial Park. This civic monument was erected by The City of Calgary in Works have come in to the collection through transfers from other collections and the public domain, donations of patrons and artists as well as purchase. Substantial 842 artworks on view at over 60 sites throughout Calgary. Diverse The collection includes drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture, glass, ceramic, textiles, mixed media, site-specific works, outdoor sculpture, monuments and historical artifacts. Significant Important Calgarian artists in the collection include: Maxwell Bates Marion Nicoll Wes Irwin Greg Arnold Illingworth Kerr Janel Mitchell George Mihalcheon John Hall Maureen Enns Backgrounder 33, V.0.2: August 21, 2007

23 A Cultural Legacy BACKGROUNDER Civic Art Collection Why is the Collection Unique? The City of Calgary Civic Art Collection, held in trust for the citizens of Calgary, represents an important piece of Calgary's cultural legacy. The history of the collection began almost 100 years ago, and has been intimately connected to Calgary s artistic community throughout the last century. The collection began in the early 1900 s with donations of work from Calgarians, including work from local artists. In the mid-1900 s, a group of local artists and arts enthusiasts were drawn together by their passion for the visual arts and volunteered to support and care for the collection as the Calgary Allied Arts Council. From early on, the Calgary Allied Arts Council saw the value in collecting works by local Calgary artists. This strategy has proven to be visionary in the support of brilliant regional artists early in their career. The Calgary Allied Arts Council/Foundation has nurtured the artistic community throughout the years by creating opportunities for local artists, and engaging citizens in support of the visual arts. Many significant local personalities donated works to the collection throughout its history. One example is philanthropist Eric Harvey, who was one of the first to make a fortune in the oil business. Highly Public and Interactive The City of Calgary Civic Art Collection is unusual in that about 60% of the 842 artworks are on display on a regular basis. (An average museum collection displays about 20% of its collection as the norm.) The artworks can be seen in multiple locations around Calgary, including: Calgary Zoo Confederation Park Telus World of Science Calgary International Airport Centennial Park Pumphouse Theatre Shawnessy Library Calgary Economic Development Signal Hill Library Prince s Island Park Devonian Gardens Calgary Convention Centre Plus-15 system Century Gardens Stephen Avenue Mall Calgary Board of Education Vertigo Theatre Calgary Foundation Municipal Building North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre Backgrounder 32, V.0.2: August 21, 2007

24 Civic Art Collection Where did the Civic Art Collection Come From? Calgary Museum ( ); Calgary Public Museum ( ); Calgary Public Library ( ) The first donations to the collection were made around 1911 when the Calgary Museum was formed; significant donations of work came from Harry Southam and the Local Council of Women. 1935: The Calgary Public Museum closed; the collection was moved to the Calgary Public Library. Arts Centre, Coste House ( ) 1946: A group of visionary citizens formed the Calgary Allied Arts Council to administer an arts centre located in the Coste House (a building owned by The City of Calgary). The building contained a collection of artworks formerly part of the Calgary Public Museum. Calgary Allied Arts Centre ( ); Calgary Allied Arts Foundation ( ) 1959: When a larger building was needed, the Calgary Allied Arts Council formed the Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (CAAF) in order to purchase a new building at th Avenue SW. The Foundation was trustee of the collection and managed the endowment fund used to purchase art -- monetary bequests were received from H.B. Hill (1957), Wes Irwin (1978), Jim and Marion Nicholl (1986), and Doug Motter (1994). 1969: The Calgary Allied Arts Centre was closed and the Calgary Allied Arts Council was dissolved. CAAF continued as trustee of the collection. The City of Calgary (1982-present); Calgary Allied Arts Foundation (1982-present) 1982: An operating agreement between CAAF and The City of Calgary assigned custodial responsibility to The City and curatorial responsibility to CAAF for the Collection. CAAF also became the visual arts advisory committee to Council. 2004: The 1982 CAAF operating agreement expired. The City of Calgary Public Art Program was created and took responsibility for the administration and management of the collection. CAAF remains the trustee of the endowment fund which is used to purchase art for the collection. Backgrounder 31, V.0.2: August 21, 2007