By Pepper Parr
February 14th, 2023
BURLINGTON, ON
This request Expressions of Interest in taking on a public art project was released a number of weeks ago.
The re posting of the notice suggests there may not have been that many responses.
The site for the public art is the Skyway Community Centre. Deadline: Friday March 10, 2023. Award: $120,000 CAD
City has set aside $120,000 for the right artist and the right piece of public art.
The City of Burlington invites professional artists to submit Expressions of Interest to create an exterior public art installation for the plaza area of the new Skyway Community Centre (129 Kenwood Ave, Burlington, Ontario). This competition is open to all Canadian and International professional artists and/or artist-led teams.
The proposed artwork should act as a beacon to help guide visitors towards the main entrance of the building. Additionally, an important component of the Skyway Community Centre project is the environmentally responsible design of the facility. The Skyway Community Centre will include a low carbon design to align with the City’s goal of having a carbon neutral operation. Recognizing the severity of a changing climate, City Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a year later approved a Climate Action Plan with a target to become a net carbon zero community by 2050. This philosophy and focus on sustainability should be a primary focus for the public art, both in theme and materials / fabrication method chosen.
An artwork proposal is not requested at this time. This is a two-phase process: in Phase One, applicants will be reviewed on the basis of artistic merit of past work, professional qualifications and experience. In Phase Two, short-listed artists will be required to submit a preliminary artwork concept proposal that will be displayed for public comment and jury review. Artists selected for the short-list will be provided with a full Request for Proposals outlining detailed artwork specifications prior to developing their proposals. Short-listed artists will be paid an artist fee of $1500 to develop their proposals.
Talk to Kim Selman, Public Art Manager if you’re confused
Tel: 905-515-9334
Email: kim@cobaltconnects.ca
“The proposed artwork should act as a beacon to help guide visitors towards the main entrance of the building.”
Wouldn’t it be cheaper and simpler just to install a sign?
Sorry, but it is precisely this kind of nonsense that boils my blood, and makes taxpayers see red. People coming to the arena are going to play hockey, not attend an art exhibit. Just another sad and sorry example of city management who can’t prioritize and Councillors who get deluded by the brightest, shiniest object in the room. Little wonder we have a 7%+ tax increase.