TAMRMS#: B06
4.3
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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ADAC 2027 Project Plan Funding Requests
Presented by: Jacilyn Blackwood, Visual Arts Coordinator, Community Services
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RECOMMENDED MOTION(S)
recommendation
That the Arts Development Committee recommend to Council that $129,000 be withdrawn from the Public Art Reserve Fund to be used to fund two 2027 Public Art projects.
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SUMMARY
Administration is seeking the Arts Development Advisory Committee’s support to recommend the allocation of funds from the Public Art Reserve Fund by Council to enable two Public Art projects to begin in 2027.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
On May 21, 2024 Council passed the following motions:
CB-24-017
That the Public Art Policy C-CS-25 be approved. Passed unanimously.
Bylaw # 09/2020 #’s 21 a. ii, b., d.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Administration, in collaboration with internal stakeholders and the Arts Development Advisory Committee has identified and is proposing the following Public Art projects for 2027:
• Community Services Zine Initiative
• Fountain Park Pool Suspended Artwork Installation
The funding requested supports the call to artists, selection committee, artists scope of work including artist fee, community engagement, materials, fabrication and installation, and contingency, and aligns with C-CS-25 Public Art Policy.
Community Services Zine Initiative
Funding allocation: $74,000.00
This proposal is for a 2027 public art mentorship project that will bring together five artists, and five youth mentees between the ages of 15 - 18 years to create an illustrated zine or zine series focused on local community stories and social issues.
The proposed project aligns with the City’s Public Art Program objectives and supports priorities identified through the Community Social Roadmap. It responds to Community Wellbeing and reflects Council's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of residents and fostering an inclusive, safe, and welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to participate fully.
What the project will do?
This project uses art to share stories, encourage understanding, and support community participation. It also provides opportunities for youth arts development and creates a resource that can support community awareness, learning, and discussion.
The project aims to:
• Build awareness and understanding around local social issues
• Strengthen relationships between artists, youth, residents, community organizations, and the City
• Provide mentorship and hands-on experience for emerging young artists
• Create a public art resource that can be used for awareness, education, and advocacy
• Encourage community participation by connecting artists with residents who wish to share lived experiences
• Increase youth engagement through artist-led mentorship opportunities
• Create illustrated zines that share community stories in an accessible, creative format
• Make the final zines available in print and/or online for free through community distribution channels
About Zines
Zines are small-format publications that use art and storytelling to communicate ideas and experiences in an accessible way. Their broad distribution potential makes them an effective tool for community engagement, education, and awareness.
Fountain Park Pool Suspended Artwork Installation
Funding allocation: $55,000.00
This project proposes the installation of suspended artwork above the tot pool at Fountain Park Recreation Centre. The artwork will serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, by enhancing the visual environment of the facility while supporting early childhood swim instruction for young children learning to back float. Looking upward and focusing on something can help them to become comfortable with being in the water and provides them with a positive visual focal point to focus on as they practice. (See Attachment 1 - Fountain Park Pool Photo)
The selected artist or artist team will be required to engage with pool users prior to developing their concept. There is an opportunity for this engagement to coincide with the International Children’s Festival of the Arts in 2027, allowing for an opportunity for more interactive engagement with the children of our community.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
N/A
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Uncommitted balance currently within our Public Art Reserve: $531,374.00
If projects are approved, there will be: $402,374.00 remaining for future projects
Money would remain in reserve if projects not recommended for funding.
Compliance & Legal:
Public Art Policy C-CS-25
Arts Development Advisory Committee Bylaw 9/2020
Program or Service:
Approval of the recommended funding will allow Administration to deliver planned public art opportunities for local artists and youth in 2027. Without this funding, Administration's ability to provide these opportunities and advance Public Art Program objectives would be reduced.
Organizational:
This will support Administration’s engagement with internal stakeholders and delivering successful Public Art projects to the communities of St. Albert.
Risks
If the funding is not supported, the projects will not move ahead.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
Initiative aligned with Strategic Plan:
Not Applicable
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
A.1.2.d Public Art Collection
The Public Art Collection includes a variety of mediums including pottery, painting,
sculpture and fibre arts. These artworks are displayed at City owned buildings in highly
accessible and visible public spaces as well as offices to build visual culture
awareness, create engaging spaces and increase quality of life and place. This
subservice oversees the display and acquisition of standalone and integrated artworks
through purchases, commissions, or loans. Public art is considered in the design
objectives of all new municipal capital and building projects.
IMPACTS OF ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
If Council does not wish to support the proposed motion, Administration presents the following alternatives for Council’s consideration.
The alternative would be that Administration works with the Arts Development Advisory Committee to identify different opportunities for Public Art in 2027 if one or both projects are not supported by Council.
ALTERNATIVE 1:
Financial:
Money remains in reserve.
Compliance & Legal:
N/A
Program or Service:
Administration will be unable to deliver the program objects as outlined in the policy and will be unable to fulfill commitments to other departments on the proposed Public Art projects.
Organizational:
N/A
Risks
N/A
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Report Date: October 28, 2026
Author(s): Jacilyn Blackwood
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Budd
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher