TAMRMS#: B06
6.3
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Deaccession of Profiles Poster - Thierfelder 001 PR
Presented by Andrea Bowes, Public Art Associate and Registrar, Community Services
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That the Arts Development Advisory Committee recommends to Administration that:
Administration deaccession the Profiles Poster - Thierfelder (001 PR) from the City’s Public Art Collection and transfer it to the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert Musée Heritage Museum.
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SUMMARY
This work is a promotional poster, not an original work of art. The City’s Public Art Collection does not consider promotional material to be art, nor does the City hold an original work from Vivian Thierfelder.
Administration will deaccession the poster from the City’s Public Art Collection and transfer it to the St. Albert Arts and Heritage Foundation, Musée Heritage Museum collection.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
This poster was used to promote the artist Vivian Thierfelder’s solo show at Profiles Gallery in April of 1989. Profiles Gallery was located in St. Albert Place from 1985 to 1992. The gallery and its founders were influential in advancing the arts in St. Albert, helping to shape the vibrant arts community that thrives. This poster is a record of the Gallery’s activities and as such a historical record that is better suited in an institution that can provide further interpretation, context, and care for the work in the development of the arts in St. Albert.
Deaccessioning best practice
From C-CS-25 Public Art Policy:
Administration shall:
h) Ensure that Deaccessioning and Disposition of artworks follow the standard collection management practice to remove artworks from the Public Art Collection at the end of their lifecycle, based on their curatorial importance, or based on conditions. Industry best practices shall be followed.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Administration and St. Albert Arts and Heritage Foundation (AHF), through the Musée Heritage Museum, have engaged in discussions regarding the historical significance of this poster. As the City’s designated partner responsible for the stewardship of historical and cultural artifacts, resources, and archives, the AHF has committed to accepting the mural into its collection. This decision reflects a shared commitment to preserving the work within the community for the educational benefit of future generations.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
None
Compliance & Legal:
C-CS-25 Public Art Policy Section 6, Deaccessioning
Program or Service:
Removal of artwork from the City’s Public Art Collection.
Organizational:
Administration would work with AHF to transfer the artwork to Musée Heritage Museum.
Risks
This piece is not an original artwork and, as such, is not eligible for inclusion in the City’s public art collection. Because this poster is not an original artwork it has not been suitable for display and has remained in storage. Transferring the poster to a collection dedicated to celebrating St. Albert’s history and educating the public offers a more meaningful path forward, giving the item renewed purpose and ensuring it can contribute to our shared heritage.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
None at this time
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
City of St Albert Services and Service Levels Inventory
B.6 Funding Partnerships, B.6.1 Cultural Partnerships, B.6.1.a Arts and Heritage Foundation:
The City's partnership agreement with AHF includes:
• Operating, managing, and ensuring stewardship of the City's historical and cultural artifacts, historical resources and archives.
• The provision of diverse and relevant arts and heritage registered and drop-in programs, including the animation of heritage sites and locations around the community.
G.1 Asset Management, G.1.5.a Public Art Collection:
Inspect, assess, and maintain the City of St. Albert’s permanent art collection
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Report Date: September 15, 2025
Author(s): Andrea Bowes
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: Bill Fletcher