TAMRMS#: B06
7.1
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Arts Development Advisory Committee Recommendation - St. Albert the Great Statue
Presented by: Emily Baker, Chair, Arts Development Advisory Committee
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That $30,000.00 be withdrawn from the Public Art Reserve for the replacement of the stolen St. Albert the Great Statue.
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SUMMARY
The report is being brought forward to Council as a result of a recommendation from the Arts Development Advisory Committee meeting on September 11, 2024.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The St. Albert the Great statue was stolen in March of 2023. The sculpture was donated to the City by the Continuous Learning Community Society (CLC) in 2001. In June of 2023, the Arts Development Advisory Committee (ADAC) decided to move forward with funding a new sculpture of St. Albert the Great that relates to the previous version. The new sculpture would be created by the original artist, Al Henderson.
Administration provided ADAC a recommendation to move forward with a smaller scale work estimated at $40,000 (which will include the base). The work is insured for $17,000.00, and the additional $30,000 from the reserve enables work to proceed with a reproduction.
Exterior locations for this work are not recommended due to the increased security risks associated with the high value of bronze on the black market and the rise in thefts over the past year in the region. Administration has identified a secure location within the front lobby of St Albert Place where the replacement sculpture can be placed. This area ensures high visibility, enhancing public appreciation, while security measures, such as existing surveillance cameras and controlled access, will mitigate the risk of theft and vandalism. Existing public artworks that are currently in the lobby will be moved to alternate locations within the building, allowing the public to continue to experience them and see them in different lighting and spaces.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Administration and Arts Development Advisory had direct conversations and received presentations from Continuous Learning Community Society and artist, Al Henderson.
In June 2023, Arts Development Advisory Committee recommended that Administration move forward with the recreation of this work.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Since 2001, the cost of bronze has significantly increased, making it a more valuable material for public art. While Administration and Arts Development Advisory Committee are committed to supporting a variety of new public art projects, this particular reproduction was not included in upcoming planned projects. Allocating funds for a full-scale reproduction of a previously donated work would reduce the budget available for other important initiatives intended to contribute to the cultural richness of the community. In response, a creative solution is being sought: a half-scale recreation with an all-inclusive budget that ensures both preservation of the original vision and the ability to fund future projects. If approved by Council, $30,000 will be withdrawn from the Public Art Reserve to support this work. As of August 31, 2024 there is $1,053,604.36 in the reserve of which $564,886.42 is available for art acquisition.
Compliance & Legal:
This recommendation is in alignment with C-CS-25 Public Art and Bylaw No. 9/2020, as amended by Bylaw 13.2023 the Arts Development Advisory Committee Bylaw.
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks:
Stakeholders
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
None at this time.
ALIGNMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
G.1.5 Public Art Collection: Facilitate procurement and maintenance of the City’s Public Art Collection
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
ALTERNATIVE 1:
Council may decide to do nothing.
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks:
Reputational and relationship risk to the City, should the recommendation to pursue a recreation involving the original artist not be supported, based on previous discussions and the preferred direction with committee and stakeholders.
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Report Date: October 1, 2024
Author(s): Andrea Bowes, Public Art Associate and Registrar
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Wilkie
Managing Director: Diane Enger
Chief Administrative Officer: Bill Fletcher