HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 04-24Report to
Executive Committee
Report Number: CS 04-24 Date: April 2, 2024
From: Laura Gibbs
Director, Community Services
Subject: Council Chambers Public Art Update
- Commission of Public Art
- File: A-1440-001
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 04-24 regarding Council Chambers Public Art Update be received;
2. That staff report back to Council regarding the selection of public art in Council Chambers in Q2, 2025; and
3. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as outlined
in this report.
Executive Summary: The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on
the selection of public art in Council Chambers.
As per Resolution #279/23, staff were directed to consult with Pickering resident and internationally renowned sculptor Dorsey James, who carves images from world mythology to purchase one of his pieces to be included as part of the Council Chambers renovation; and, that the costs for such work not exceed $30,000.00 and be funded from the Public Art Reserve
(8038), and that City staff report back to Council with an update by the end of Q2 2024.
Relationship to the Pickering Strategic Plan: The recommendations in this report respond to the Pickering Strategic Plan Priority of Advocate for an Inclusive, Welcoming, Safe & Healthy Community.
Financial Implications: Resolution #279/23 identified that costs to purchase this public artwork not exceed $30,000.00, and that costs be funded from the Public Art Reserve (8038).
Discussion: The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update on the selection of public art in Council Chambers. Council Chambers, located within the City of Pickering Civic Complex, is a place of municipal
decision-making where public Council meetings take place. Council Chambers have been identified for renovations in 2025 to improve accessibility, audio-visual systems, and security.
CS 04-24 April 2, 2024
Subject: Council Chambers Public Art Update Page 2
Given the upcoming renovations, Council directed staff through Resolution #279/23 to commission a piece of artwork by the internationally renowned sculptor Dorsey James to be
installed in the newly renovated Council Chambers.
In January 2024, City staff communicated with Dorsey James about the opportunity. Dorsey confirmed his interest and availability in creating this unique work of art.
Preliminary discussions with the artist identified some risks that will need to be mitigated in the design of the artwork. A freestanding wood sculpture poses a risk of being damaged and
reduces flexible use of the space. Staff will work with Dorsey James to explore options for an artwork that can be mounted to the wall in Council Chambers.
Staff will continue to work with Dorsey James to develop three preliminary artwork designs that will be presented to the community for input through a consultation process. The consultation
process will include an online voting survey, with signage in the lobby of City Hall and Chestnut
Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Consultation for the public art will be coordinated with the public consultation for the Council Chambers renovation anticipated to take place in late 2024 or early 2025.
Reconstruction of Council Chambers is expected to commence in July 2025. The precise
location of artwork will depend on final design proposals and public input.
Staff will return an update to Council by Q2, 2025 regarding the selection of public art for Council Chambers.
Attachments:
1. None
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed By:
Original Signed By Original Signed By
Marilou Murray Laura Gibbs, MBA, MSc. (Acting) Division Head, Director, Community Services
Culture & Community Programming
LG:sb
CS 04-24 April 2, 2024
Subject: Council Chambers Public Art Update Page 3
Recommended for the consideration of Pickering City Council
Original Signed By
Marisa Carpino, M.A. Chief Administrative Officer