REQUEST FOR DIRECTION
DATE: June 2, 2022 Report No. P&R-22-007
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director of Parks and Recreation Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Public Art Policy
End
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Does Council wish to provide direction to staff and add additional information on Policy ADMIN-74?
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole receive Staff Report No. P&R-22-007 for information, provide any additional direction to staff as the COTW considers advisable, and direct staff to prepare a report for Council’s consideration.
Body
BACKGROUND:
Staff presented the draft Public Art Plan (Appendix A) to Council and sought input at the Committee of the Whole (COTW) meeting, on January 17, 2022. At this meeting Council provided staff direction on the Public Art Plan. COTW members requested details regarding required budget, outline for the responsibility for art maintenance, methodology for engaging and collaborating with community groups, and reducing layers of bureaucracy in the process to ensure success of the proposed Art Plan. In response to this, staff have updated the draft Policy ADMIN-74 (Appendix B) to provide additional information for plan implementation.
ISSUES:
1. Organizational
Staff have updated Policy ADMIN-74 to facilitate implementation of the Public Art Plan. The intent is to create a framework and foundation that allows council, staff, volunteers and artists to navigate public art proposals. This recommendation is identified in the Public Art Plan and a draft flow chart has been included in Policy ADMIN-74 to ensure the process is clearly identified. This framework is the first step in creating a clear process for art proposals and approvals.
The Township has developed strong relationships with dedicated groups of volunteers. These volunteers are extremely important and will have the opportunity to participate in the public art process. The goal is to continue to develop these relationships and support volunteers while investing in Public Art. Staff are developing checklists of requirements to assist processing art proposals. This will help staff expedite proposals and help reduce layers of administration. The intent is to foster creative activity and communicate guidelines to those submitting proposals. This recommendation is identified in the Public Art Plan.
Implementation of the Public Art Plan will require time. Staff will track Public Art Plan action items. It is anticipated that the strategic directions articulated in the plan will require several years to develop and refine. Policy ADMIN-74 will be reviewed annually and feedback will be sought.
Consultation with Esquimalt Together Against Graffiti (ETAG) working group indicates that public art in high traffic areas may reduce tagging and graffiti opportunities. Staff will work with ETAG to identify areas that may benefit from this approach. These areas will be identified and a call for proposals can be issued. Further to this strategy, staff will work with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) to recommend public locations, and appropriate use of park space for public art where it adds to the natural space.
Staff will prioritize art that is culturally significant to local areas.
2. Financial
The implementation of the Public Art plan will be phased over several years. Policy ADMIN-74 identifies approved funding sources. Funding will be subject to the annual budget process. Council will continue to set priorities and staff will present funding options to achieve the plan’s objectives. It is recommended that dedicated staff resources be assigned to ensure the plan is implemented and supported. Adding these responsibilities to a current Parks and Recreation position in 2023 would be estimated at approximately $18,000. This position is identified in Policy ADMIN-74 as the Arts and Culture Coordinator.
Council may consider a Small Neighborhood Grant Program as identified in the Public Art Plan. These grants would be used for temporary art, art activation and art education. Small neighborhood grants could be piloted to facilitate Art Plan objectives. Staff will submit annual supplemental funding requests that include public art projects during the budget process. The proposed value of the Small Neighborhoods Grant Program is estimated at $10,000 annually and would include up to (5) $1,000 for activities and a maximum of (2) $2,500 for creative placemaking projects. The Arts and Culture Coordinator would oversee this program and provide routine updates on target outcomes identified in the Art Plan.
The above funding requests would be brought up as a part of 2023 budget discussions.
The TOE Local Grant Funding policy and process will remain in place. This includes funding for local art events and community lead initiatives. Staff would ensure these applicants do not receive more that one grant amount for the same local initiative.
The Townships Public Art Reserve is projected to have a balance of approximately $90,000 at the end of 2022. This funding can be accessed through the appropriate approval process.
3. Communications & Engagement
Extensive consultation and engagement with the public was completed during the development of the Public Art Plan. Staff will engage on projects, proposals, and initiatives with Creative Placemaking Support Volunteers (CPSV) and PRAC. Public engagement on new projects will follow existing Township protocols.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That the COTW receive Staff Report No. P&R-22-007 for information, provide any additional direction to staff as the COTW considers advisable, and direct staff to prepare a report for Council’s consideration.
2. That the COTW provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That the COTW request further information from staff.