Let’s wporTAMRMS#: B06
5.4
REQUEST FOR DECISION
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Deaccession of Saturday at the Market
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 Saturday at the Market (183 PA) mural from the permanent public art collection and ensure it is destroyed such that no component can be used to recreate the original artwork or create another work thus impinging the artists moral rights.
That the Arts Development Advisory Committee recommends to Council that:
$6,000.00 be pulled from the Public Art Lifecycle and Maintenance Fund for the removal and destruction of Saturday at the Market (183) PA from 21 Perron Street, this includes the repair of the wall to its original state.
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SUMMARY
This mural was created and installed in 1997 by Stan Phelps and Keith Holmes. The mural has significantly deteriorated over the last 28 years and the vibrancy of the original artwork has been lost due to normal wear and tear from environmental exposure. The mural is rotting, and pieces are beginning to fall away from the wall, presenting a safety hazard.
Administration will deaccession and destroy the mural Saturday at the Market as per conversations with the artists and return the building wall to its original condition as per the lease agreement.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The extent of deterioration today is such that conservation of the panels would be cost prohibitive and futile. The physical condition of the varnish and paint layer are beyond redemption, the varnish has coalesced into opaque clumps, it is flaking and peeling, the paint layer is faded and powdery. The panels are rotting. A frame component was removed in 2023 as it had come away from the wall indicating potential security problems with the attachment systems and a safety risk.
The condition negates installation in an indoor location. Further the City of St. Albert does not have suitable long-term storage facilities to house the artwork. Storing the work does not meet the overall purpose of public art whereby the collection is on display for the enjoyment and enrichment of the people of St. Albert.
Moving forward, Public Art is only to be created and installed in or on City owned property as per the Public Art Policy C-CS-25.
Condition Review 2024:
Please see the attached condition report for a detailed review of the murals condition.
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
The City and artists have discussed the condition and the recommended course of action for this mural and agree on the conclusion. The artists have agreed to the destruction of the work and have waived their moral rights.
The owner of the building has been notified and supports the removal of the artwork and repair of the wall.
The Downtown Business Association liaison and the Chamber of Commerce Director have been notified of the potential removal and provided information on the condition, repair, policy, and upcoming projects in the downtown area.
IMPACTS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial:
Current funding availability from our Public Art Reserve Fund for maintenance is: $497,343.61
$6000 of our Public Art Reserve Fund (Maintenance) is utilized to support the removal and deaccession of Saturday at the Market and repair of the wall to its original state.
Leaving $491,343.61 available.
Compliance & Legal:
C-CS-25 Public Art Policy
Section 6, Deaccessioning
a. Responsible collection management practices may require the removal or Disposal of an artwork from the Public Art Collection. Given that Disposal of artworks is irrevocable, Deaccessioning is a deliberate procedure. The City will not dispose of a work simply because its original aesthetics are not popular and will be considerate not to dispose of works whose worth might not yet be recognized.
b. Works being considered for deaccessioning must meet Deaccessioning criteria.
c. Administration shall prepare a report regarding the Deaccessioning of a work for review and acceptance by ADAC.
d. Disposal of the work will meet the Public Art industry best practices and City guidelines.
Removing the artwork will address its deteriorated condition and potential safety risks. This action helps to protect the public art programs reputation by ensuring public art aligns with best practices.
Program or Service:
N/A
Organizational:
N/A
Risks
The artwork poses a safety risk to the community due to its deteriorated condition.
ALIGNMENT TO SERVICE DELIVERY
City of St Albert Services and Service Levels Inventory
G.1 Asset Management, G.1.5.a Public Art Collection
Inspect, assess, and maintain the City of St. Albert’s permanent art collection.
Council Policy C-CS-25 Public Art, Section 4. Administration shall:
f. Provide care and Maintenance of the Public Art Collection.
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.
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Report Date: January 22, 2025
Author(s): Andrea Bowes
Department: Community Services
Department Director: Elizabeth Wilke
Managing Director: Diane Enger
Chief Administrative Officer: Bill Fletcher