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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 17, 2026 Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda Main Committee Room February 17, 2026 - 07:00 PM Members of the public may observe the meeting proceedings by viewing the livestream on the HTML Agenda or the archived video available on the City's website. For inquiries related to accessibility, please contact Legislative Services Phone: 905.420.4611 | Email: clerks@pickering.ca. Review and Approval of Agenda Disclosure of Interest Approval of Minutes January 20, 2026, Meeting Minutes Page 3 Delegations/Presentations New Business Pickering Museum Village - February Update Page 8 K. Pyke, Coordinator, Museum Operations, Pickering Museum Village Council Report - 2025 Achievements and 2026 Work Plan for discussion Page 10 J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services Community Banner Series for review Page 14 J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee – Update 1. 2. 3. 3.1 4. 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Other Business Correspondence Next Meeting - March 17, 2026 Adjournment 6. 7. 8. 9. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda February 17, 2026 - 2 - 1 Present: Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes Main Committee Room January 20, 2026 - 07:00 PM J. Baricuatro - Cultural Advisory Committee Member S. Barillaro - Cultural Advisory Committee Member D. Davis - Cultural Advisory Committee Member D. Jayawardena - Cultural Advisory Committee Member Z. Kazi - Cultural Advisory Committee Member A. Palmer - Cultural Advisory Committee Member S. Ramoutar - Cultural Advisory Committee Member D. Thompson - Cultural Advisory Committee Member K. Roberts - Manager, Cultural Service C. Farrell - Supervisor, Cultural Services V. Karakian - Supervisor, Museum Services E. Tayles - Curator, Museum J. St. Amant - Coordinator, Cultural Services (Staff Liaison) J. Currie - Legislative Coordinator (Recording Secretary) Regrets: S. Almeida - Schroen, Cultural Advisory Committee M. Nagy - City Councillor, Ward 2 1. Review and Approval of Agenda Moved By S. Barillaro That the January 20, 2026, Cultural Advisory Committee agenda be approved. Carried 2. Disclosure of Interest None. 3. Approval of Minutes - 3 - Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 2 3.1 November 18, 2025, Meeting Minutes Moved By D. Jayawardena That the Minutes of the November 18, 2025, Meeting of the Accessibility Advisory Committee be approved. Carried 4. Delegations/Presentations There were no delegations. 5. New Business 5.1 Cultural Strategic Plan Presentation With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, P. Huntsman, Culture & Communication Consultant, appeared before the Committee and provided an overview of the Cultural Strategic Plan. P. Huntsman reviewed the project context and approach, the engagement process, and emerging themes for strategic priorities. A brief discussion ensued between Members of the Committee and staff regarding: • whether the Draft Emerging Strategic Themes aligned with the Committee's initiatives and if there were any apparent gaps; • whether municipal comparative data had been considered; • opportunities to highlight collaboration between cultures;; • whether financial diversity would be included as a focus; • whether the data revealed concerns related to people safely participating in their own cultural practices and arts; • how to anticipate what belonging and safety may look like from a cultural perspective for the future of Pickering; and, • when the final plan would be presented to Council. 5.2 Pickering Museum Village - 2025 Review V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services, provided a brief overview of the 2025 Pickering Museum Village including visitation and engagement, program highlights, events, exhibits, and site highlights. - 4 - Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 3 5.3 Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre Building - Update V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services, provided an update on the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre Building. A brief discussion took place regarding the inclusion of bird ◻ safe window treatments. 5.4 Public Art - Public Art Jury Selection for Endorsement E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art provided an overview of the 2026 Public Art Jury member selections, appointed by Cultural Services staff. Moved By D. Davis That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse the staff appointed Public Art Jury Members for the 2026 term. Carried 5.5 Public Art - Artist Selection for Alcoves at DCHC for Endorsement E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art provided a brief overview of the Call to Artists - Request for Proposals Public Art Commission, Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre - Greenwood Heritage Library Alcoves and the selected artists. Moved By S. Barillaro That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse that Community Services award the Public Art Commission of the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre - Greenwood Heritage Library to: Malika Saeeda and Yasaman Mehrsa, Nicole Bachman and Laura Kay Keeling. Carried 5.6 Public Art - Artist Selection for Greenwood Heritage Library First Nations Alcove at DCHC for Endorsement E. Tayles, Curator, Public Art provided a brief overview of the Call to Artists - Request for Proposals Public Art Commission for the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre - Greenwood Heritage Library Indigenous Alcove. A brief discussion ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding the permanence of the artwork and plans for its long ◻ term preservation. - 5 - Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 4 Moved By D. Davis That the Cultural Advisory Committee endorse that Community Services award the Public Art Commission of the Dorsay Community and Heritage Centre - Greenwood Heritage Library Indigenous Alcove to: Emily Clairoux. Carried 5.7 2026 Event Schedule - Review C. Farrell, Supervisor, Cultural Services, provided a brief overview of the City’s planned events for 2026. A brief discussion ensued between Committee Members and staff regarding details of the new Duffins Creek Festival. 5.8 Council Report - 2025 Achievements and 2026 Work Plan for discussion J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services, provided a brief overview of the steps involved in preparing the Cultural Advisory Committee’s upcoming Council Report outlining their 2025 Achievements and 2026 Work Plan. 5.9 Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee – Update Members of the Committee discussed continuing the work of the Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) subcommittee. 6. Other Business There was no other business. 7. Correspondence There was no correspondence. 8. Next Meeting 8.1 February 17, 2026 9. Adjournment Moved By S. Ramoutar That the meeting be adjourned. - 6 - Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes January 20, 2026 5 Carried The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m. - 7 - Memo To: Cultural Advisory Committee February 17, 2026 From: Victoria Karakian Supervisor, Museum Services Copy: Director, Community Services Manager, Cultural Services Subject: Pickering Museum Village - Program Update Introducing of Adventure Hub The Pickering Museum Village (PMV) is launching Adventure Hub this summer, a new suite of on‑site, interactive, self‑guided programs. These programs use the GooseChase mobile platform to deliver immersive, story‑driven challenges for families, youth, and team‑based adult groups. Adventure Hub supports PMV to increase year‑round engagement, enhance visitor experience, and offer flexible programming. Overview of Adventure Hub Adventure Hub transforms the museum village into a dynamic game environment through the GooseChase app, where teams complete missions, solve puzzles, and explore the site through themed storylines. Programs are self‑guided and supported by a staff facilitator for orientation and wrap‑up. Guests may book on demand, with options and difficulty levels for varying ages. The story-based adventures encourage creativity, problem‑solving, exploration, and connection. Visitors book an adventure, download the free GooseChase app, and receive a unique game code for their selected experience. Adventures include: Time Travellers at the Museum – Repair a malfunctioning time machine across different eras. Eco Explorers – Nature‑themed environmental missions promoting outdoor learning. Mystery of the Missing Rebellion Box The Curator’s Last Clue Operation Collaboration The Great Museum Race Seasonal adventures at Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre with exhibit connections: Botanical Bird Blitz (Apr–Jun) The Case of the Vanishing Vireo (Apr–Jun) Dressup Detectives (Jul–Sep) The Costume Caper (Jul–Sep) Science Sleuths (Oct–Dec) - 8 - Feb 17, 2026 Page 2 of 2 Pickering Museum Village – Program Update The Sour Sample Scandal (Oct–Dec) Visitor Experience and Logistics: Duration: 45–90 minutes per adventure Group Size: Teams of 2–6 participants Technology: Requires one mobile device per team (iOS or Android) Support: On‑site museum staff provide orientation, tech setup, and end‑of‑game facilitation Accessibility: Experiences occur primarily outdoors; staff can discuss accommodations as needed Weather: Programs run rain or shine Versatility: The GooseChase platform offers versatile uses including facilitation of corporate team building, engaging training for onboarding seasonal museum staff, integration into site-wide events, and integration into existing educational programming. The Pickering Museum Village is excited to launch this new program stream and invites CAC members to visit the Museum and be advocates for the Adventure Hub launch. - 9 - Memo To: Mayor Ashe and DRAFT-May 25, 2026 Members of Council From: Jesse St. Amant Coordinator, Cultural Services Copy: Chief Administrative Officer Director, Community Services City Clerk Manager, Cultural Services Supervisor, Cultural Services Supervisor, Museum Services Subject: Cultural Advisory Committee - 2025 Year End Report & 2026 Work Plan File: A-1410-008 Cultural Advisory Committee The Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) is pleased to submit, for Council’s information, the 2025 Year End Report and 2026 Work Plan. A. 2025 Year End Report In 2025, the CAC met eight times prior to the last meeting on November 18, 2025. Highlighted achievements include but are not limited to the following: •Endorsed five professional Public Art Jury members for 2025. Reviewed and provided recommendation and endorsement of the following Public Art projects: •Commemorative Public Art for Sigrid Squire - Abundance by artist J. A. Fligel installed in May 2025. •Commemorative Public Art for Paul White - Anticipation by artist John Vickers installed in August 2025. •Commemorative Remembrance Crosswalks - Lest We Forget by artist Jia Lin & Alex Vongsavath of Paintint Inc installed in October 2025. •Beachfront Boardwalk Panels by artists Dee Barsy, Emily Clairoux, Nyle Miigizi Johnston Tessa Shank and Koren Smoke at Beachfront Park installed in August 2025. •John. E. Anderson Gallery 2026 Exhibit Plan at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre (DCHC). •Public Art commission for the Council Chamber Renovations - Je Me Souviens by artist Dorsey James to be installed in 2026. •Celebration of Ernie Coombs Permanent Public Art - Mr. Dressup’s Magic by artist Kseniya Tsoy to be installed in 2026. - 10 - May 25, 2026 Page 2 of 4 Cultural Advisory Committee – 2025 Year End Report & 2026 Work Plan •Front Entrance of DCHC Permanent Public Art – Heritage Tree by artist Hooman Mehdizadehjafari to be installed in 2026. Reviewed and provided recommendation and endorsement of the following Temporary Public Art projects: •Annual Community Banner Series by artists Asli Alin, Khaula Siddique (Mazhar), and Anaïs and Dominic of Drift Mural Co. Banners were installed on Valley Farm Road and Kingston Road installed in December 2025. •Annual Digital Artwork Display by artist Daramfon Christopher Morgan installed at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex (CHDRC) in August 2025. •25th Anniversary of City of Pickering Banners -On the Path Forward by artist Taylor De Nobrega at City Hall and at CHDRC installed April 2025. •Installation of temporary Public Art - Aambe Giigidodaa Debwewim (Let us speak the truth) by Leigh Simpson-Ahwanaquotas part of Winter Nights, City Lights on November 2025. •Seasonal window painting murals at City Hall and CHDRC by artist Ray Vidal installed November 2025 as part of Winter Nights, City Lights. Reviewed and provided recommendations on monthly Pickering Museum Village reports that included, but were not limited to: •Pickering Proud Exhibit in the lobby of City Hall from April to December 2025. •Artifact collection and exhibits within the Pickering Museum Village. •Education and public programs including Mother’s Day Tea, Blacksmith and Woodworking Workshops, Fairy Tours, Fairy Tours After Dark, Little Sprouts, and Discovery Packs, Plot to Plate: Heritage Edition, Saturday S’mores, Family Adventure Day: The Amazing Museum Race. •Renovations to the Redman House Program Center - to be closed in Spring 2025 until April 2026. •Travelling Fashion Follies exhibit that toured The Shops at Pickering City Centre, CHDRC, and Pickering Public Library. •Partnership with the University of Toronto Master of Museum Studies program for the 2025-2026 school year, including a group of master’s students working with the Pickering Museum Village. •2025 Deaccession List. Reviewed, consulted and discussed corporate projects and priorities including the Cultural Strategic Plan updates planned for 2026 that set a vision for the place of arts, culture, and heritage in the city. This review included Cultural initiatives, Museum Strategic Planning, and updates to the Public Art Plan. - 11 - May 25, 2026 Page 3 of 4 Cultural Advisory Committee – 2025 Year End Report & 2026 Work Plan The sub-committee Pickering Arts Culture & Engagement (P.A.C.E.), continued to meet in 2025. This sub-committee is dedicated to coordinating opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement. Their objective is to engage each of Pickering's cultural communities by showcasing elements of their culture through arts, music, dance and food, to the community at large through new initiatives, activities and partnerships. The CAC participated at Cultural Fusion event that took place on Saturday, September 13, 2025 in Esplanade Park. The Committee hosted an information booth and collected feedback from attendees about event satisfaction and suggestions on future activities. The Chair of the CAC also volunteered in the role of master of ceremonies. The Committee was able to connect with dozens of residents, event participants, and visitors. The information obtained from those interactions was forward to lead staff for consideration when planning the 2026 event. B. 2026 Work Plan Cultural Services has several projects and initiatives planned for 2026 that will be presented to the CAC for consultation which include, but are not limited to: •Cultural Strategic Plan - renewal of the plan •Pickering Museum Village Strategic Plan – renewal of the plan •Public Art Plan – renewal of the plan Cultural Services also has ongoing annual planning which will be presented to the CAC for consultation: •Permanent public art projects, including but not limited to: o DCHC - Library Alcoves o DCHC - Indigenous Alcove o DCHC - Shade Structure o Artist concepts for Seaton Recreation Complex & Library o Artist concepts for Greenwood Community Park o Artist concepts for Dave Ryan Community Park •Temporary public art, including but not limited to: o Community Banner Series o City Centre Banner Display Program o Digital Artwork Display at the CHDRC o Pickering Museum Village - indigenous themed artwork o Pride themed artwork o Indigenous themed artwork with DEI team o CHDRC & City Hall – window paintings o Winter Illuminations for Esplanade Park & Millenium Square - 12 - May 25, 2026 Page 4 of 4 Cultural Advisory Committee – 2025 Year End Report & 2026 Work Plan •Pickering Museum Village Annual Operating Plan, including but not limited to: o Review list of new program offerings o Review exhibit offerings o Deaccession lists review •Pickering Events Plan review: o Review 2026 Events list ▪CAC participation at the 2026 Cultural Fusion The CAC has the following projects and initiatives planned to investigate further in 2026 which include, but are not limited to: •Continue the work of the P.A.C.E. sub-committee to engage Pickering’s Cultural Community and investigate their interest in hosting new events and festivals, and/or partnering with established events and festivals; that would give additional opportunities to showcase elements of their culture (arts, music, dance, handmade markets, food and drink) to the community at large through those new initiatives, activities and partnerships. Work of the CAC also includes: •Consult on public art and participate on the Public Art Jury to review and consult on public art submission, including the submission of a Terms of Reference. •Provide feedback to staff on the development of community engagement initiatives related to culture and provide feedback on existing cultural programs. •Act as cultural champions and look for opportunities through community engagement initiatives that focus on celebrating, and highlighting cultural assets, or that bring heritage recognition, and education to the forefront. •Connect community partners to the culture team, to deliver on goals highlighted in the updated Cultural Strategic Plan. •Provide feedback to staff on the development of entrepreneurial and economic development initiatives related to culture and provide feedback on existing programs. •Report to Council annually through the committee’s work plan. :jsa - 13 - 1 Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) Community Banner Series Deadline: May 29, 2026, at 4 pm EDT. Photo of Community Banner located along Esplanade North in Pickering. Artist Opportunity The City of Pickering invites artists to respond to the Call for Artists to create a series of seven (7) street banners digitally, to be fabricated and installed by the City onto seven (7) City street light poles. This call is open to individual artists (emerging to established), artist teams or collectives. As per the Public Art Policy (CUL 130) an artist is defined as the designer/creator of an artistic work and can include, but is not limited to, a professional artist, graphic designer, collaborative team, architect, or landscape designer. The Community Banner Series call for expression of interest (EOI) seeks artists to propose street banner designs that will animate and transform the street scape into welcoming and engaging spaces. Artwork is to be created digitally and will be recreated onto vinyl street banners. The artwork will be located within the City of Pickering. The fabrication of the vinyl banners required for the project, and installation will be the responsibility of the City of Pickering. The City will also be responsible for site prep and permits. The costs of all other materials required will be the artists’ responsibility. Designs, artwork, and plans are subject to final approval by the City - 14 - 2 as per the Community Banner Policy (CUL 140). Project Brief Each year, these banners have contributed to colorful, vibrant, and City proud civic spaces in the City Centre. Banner artwork is intended but not limited to; engage Pickering’s diverse local communities, celebrate the city’s natural, social and built environment, be aesthetically pleasing, bring colour, beauty, pride and enjoyment to city streets and gateways, welcome visitors, and/or encourage community engagement. Banners will be installed in series on city light poles at various locations including Kingston Road, Valley Farm Road, Glenanna Road and Pickering Parkway. Light poles have single-armed hardware. Artists should be aware that the artwork may be subject to damage by the elements. Banners will be on display for approximately two (2) years. The Community Banner Series schedule, duration and location of the banner series installation is subject to change at the discretion of the City of Pickering. In recognition of the environmental effects of excessive plastic production, this project will include an opportunity to repurpose, refurbish and reuse retired banners for future displays, promotions, or re-created into new temporary public art piece, or re-usable options. Selection Process Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) Community Services Staff and the Public Art Jury will review EOI submissions and identify a short-list (Stage 1) based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork banner that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context. Decisions of the Public Art Jury are reviewed by the Cultural Advisory Committee and are final, pending approval of the Director, Community Services as per the Community Banner Policy CUL 140. - 15 - 3 Budget Stage 1: Short-listed artists will be paid a fee of $1,500.00 (+HST) for their submission of the conceptual design proposal. Short-listed artists will be provided a Terms of Reference with additional information about the project and may be required to attend a virtual public consultation and present their proposals. Stage 2: The budget for the final selected artists designs for the creation of seven banners, including artist fees is $2,750 (+HST). A total of three artists banner series will be selected from the short-listed artists for Stage 2. Anticipated Schedule It is expected that the commissioned artist(s) will comply with the project’s general timeline dates, as stated below: Date*Project Phase April 24, 2026 Issue Call to Artists: EOI May 29, 2026 Call to Artists: EOI Submissions Due Week of June 8, 2026 Stage 1: Shortlisted Artists Notified Week of August 10, 2026 Shortlisted Artists Conceptual Design Deadline Week of September 14, 2026 Stage 2: Final Selection Artists Notified Week of October 5, 2026 Selected Artists Final Design Deadline November/December 2026 Banner Fabrication and Installation *Schedule is subject to change - 16 - 4 Submission Requirements Artists are invited to respond to this EOI Call by submitting a single pdf document (max size 20 MB) including: •Artist statement: describe your interest in this project and share your experience in the field. You can submit a written document (1-page max). •CV/Portfolio of past work: Examples of relevant work. You may include multiple images per project on 1 page of a maximum to 10 projects (10- pages). Add tittle, year, scope, budget and a short description. •References: A list of at least two professional references familiar with your work and working methods. The list must include name, title, complete e- mail addresses and telephone numbers. Submissions must be sent to jstamant@pickering.ca with subject line: <YourLastName>_EOI:CommunityBanner2026 Deadline: May 29, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST. If the submissions exceed 20 MB, artists should contact Jesse St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services who will provide a link to an external file share program. Incomplete submissions or submissions received after the deadline will not be juried. Accessibility The City will provide accommodation throughout the selection process to applicants with disabilities. Please notify Jesse St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services at 905.420.4660 ext.3607 or jstamant@pickering.ca of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation. Reserved Rights of the City of Pickering The City of Pickering, at its sole discretion, may request clarification or request additional information, as deemed necessary to evaluate the submissions. The City retains the sole discretion to determine whether a submission is responsive and if the prospective Artist or Artist Team is capable of performing the Work. The - 17 - 5 City reserves the right, at it sole discretion, to determine the number of pre- qualified Artists or Artist Teams. The City reserve the right to not proceed with awarding a contract. Publication of Information The City of Pickering shall have the exclusive rights to issue all public announcements regarding the competition. Additional Information For any additional information or questions please contact: Jesse St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services at 905.420.4660 ext. 3607 or jstamant@pickering.ca. - 18 -