File #: AR-25-387    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Agenda Reports Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 9/16/2025 In control: Arts Development Advisory Committee
On agenda: 9/24/2025 Final action:
Title: Deaccession of A Glimpse Through St. Albert's History Presented by Andrea Bowes, Public Art Associate and Registrar, Community Services

eTAMRMS#:  B06

6.1

 

 

REQUEST FOR DECISION

 

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Deaccession of A Glimpse Through St. Albert’s History

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 A Glimpse Through St. Albert’s History (228 P) mural from the City’s Public Art Collection and transfer it to the Arts and Heritage Foundation of St. Albert, Musée Heritage Museum. 

 

That the Arts Development Advisory Committee recommends to Council that: 

 

Administration return with an amendment to BYLAW 26/2009 being a bylaw to designate St. Albert Place as a municipal historic resource be amended to remove reference to specific portable artworks in St. Albert Place including A Glimpse Through St. Albert’s History.

 

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SUMMARY

 

This mural was installed in 1987 and painted by Sidi Schaeffer. It was removed and placed in storage in 2022, after being on continuous display since 1987. The mural depicts a historical perspective of the Indigenous community that does not align with current understandings. As such, it will not be reinstalled as public artwork. It may be more appropriately housed in an institution where it can interpret within the context of its time and used to support public education in St. Albert.

     

Administration will deaccession the mural 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

 

Artwork deaccession and transfer

 

The artwork had been on continuous display since 1987. Over time, conservation concerns emerged, including prolonged light exposure, uncertain installation method, and the absence of an adequate backing board. To preserve the integrity of the piece, artworks are typically rotated off display for periods of storage to prolong their life span, reducing the effects of light and environmental exposure. These conservation considerations, along with the imagery in the work contributed to the decision to move the mural into storage in 2022. It has since been properly backed and wrapped for long-term preservation.

 

The removal of the artwork was reviewed with representatives from AHF). St. Albert Arts and Heritage Foundation (AHF) provides advice on City of St. Albert Municipal Historic Resources. AHF supported the removal of the work.

 

Subsequently, AHF, the City’s partner organization responsible for operating, managing and ensuring proper stewardship of the City’s historical and cultural artifacts, resources, and archives, has been in discussion with Administration regarding the artwork’s long-term care and historical value. AHF has confirmed willingness to accept the artwork into the Musee Heritage Museum collection. 

 

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.  

 


 


BYLAW amendment

  

Portable artwork that is hung within a historic resource is not typically included with a municipal designation. However, in some cases, the ability of the space to support and encourage the display of portable artwork may be considered a character-defining feature of the building, particularly when this practice has contributed to the cultural and historical significance of the building. As such Administration recommends that once the artwork is removed that Administration bring forward an amendment to the bylaw, removing references to specific portable artworks in St. Albert Place.

 

 

STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT

 

Administration and AHF, through the Musée Heritage Museum have engaged in discussions regarding the historical significance of this mural. 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:

 

 The transfer of the artwork to AHF will result in no net financial impact to the City. As AHF is already funded through an existing partnership agreement to steward the City’s historical and cultural assets, the costs associated with storage, conservation, and interpretation will be absorbed within that framework. This approach ensures responsible stewardship without creating additional financial burden.

 

Compliance & Legal:

 

C-CS-25 Public Art Policy Section 6. Deaccessioning

 

Program or Service:  

 

Removal of artwork from The Public Art Collection.

 

Organizational:

 

Administration would work with AHF to transfer the artwork to Musée Heritage Museum.

 

Risks

 

Removing an artwork from public display and leaving it in storage can raise concerns, especially if it holds historical significance for the community. However, transferring it into a collection dedicated to celebrating St. Albert’s history and educating the public gives the piece renewed purpose and value, ensuring it continues to contribute meaningfully to the community and 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