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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 17, 2025 Page 1 of 8 Minutes/Meeting Summary Cultural Advisory Committee June 17, 2025 7:00 pm Main Committee Room/Hybrid Attendees: D. Thompson, Cultural Advisory Committee S. Ramoutar, Cultural Advisory Committee Member M. McFarland, Cultural Advisory Committee Member Z. Kazi, Cultural Advisory Committee Member A. Palmer, Cultural Advisory Committee Member D. Davis, Cultural Advisory Committee Member J. Baricuatro, Cultural Advisory Committee Member S. Barillaro, Cultural Advisory Committee Member C. Farrell, Supervisor, Cultural Services J. St. Amant, Coordinator, Cultural Services (Staff Liaison) A. Migwans, Clerk, Culture and Recreation (Recording Secretary) Absent: M. Nagy, City Councillor, Ward 2 V. Karakian, Supervisor, Museum Services S. Almeida-Schroen, Cultural Advisory Committee J. Dushanthi, Cultural Advisory Committee Member Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) 1. Welcome and Call to Order D. Thompson welcomed members of the Cultural Advisory Committee (CAC) and called the meeting to order. 2. Review and Approval of Agenda D. Thompson put forth a motion for adoption of the current agenda as circulated. Moved by M. McFarland. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting current Agenda for June 17, 2025. 3. Disclosure of Interest Page 2 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) There were no disclosures of interest to matters on the agenda. 4. Approval of Previous Minutes D. Thompson put forth a motion for the adoption of the minutes as circulated. Moved M. McFarland and S. Ramoutar. Cultural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes May 20, 2025. Carried. 5. Presentations/Delegations There were no delegations for this meeting. 6. General Business 6.1 – Pickering Museum Village – update The following item was moved to the next meeting in V. Karakian’s absence. 6.2 – Public Art – Council Chamber – Final Designs – for endorsement C. Farrell gave a brief overview of the Council Chamber – final designs. Council 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 does not exceed $30,000.00 and be funded from the Public Art Reserve. The final concept was then featured on the Let’s Talk Pickering platform, where the public was able to vote for their favourite. The final concept will be presented to Council at their Special Meeting on July 14, 2025 – the public art piece to be completed in December 2025. S. Barillaro inquires where this art piece will be featured and how the artist was chosen. C. Farrell states the artwork will be located in Council Chamber Page 3 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) at the center near the back. Lastly, C. Farrell advises that artist Dorsey was chosen directly by Council. C. Farrell is seeking endorsement by the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by M. McFarland. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.3 – Public Art – Pickering Heritage & Community Center – Artist Selection – for endorsement C. Farrell gave a brief overview regarding the Public Art Commission – PHCC (front of Building). The project seeks to install a permanent outdoor public artwork for the main entrance pf the new Pickering Heritage & Community Center (PHCC) in Pickering. The Call to Artists – Expression of Interest (EOI) Public Art Commission, Pickering Heritage & Community Centre – Front of Building, was issued on December 13, 2024, Cultural Services received a total of 35 submissions from artists and artist collectives worldwide. The Call was open from December 13, 2024, to February 13, 2025. Staff then identified 26 submissions to advance to the next stage. After deliberation, the jury— including representatives from Hariri Pontarini Architects and members of the Greenwood Association—shortlisted three artists to move forward with the development of an art concept. LeuWebb Projects, Hooman Mehdizadehjafari, Pierre Poussin Designs. The art three concepts were showcased to the community for a public viewing and comment during Artfest on May 24 and 25, 2025, and featured on Let’s Talk Pickering from May 29, 2025 to June 4, 2025 for public vote. Page 4 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) The Public Art Jury met again on June 5, 2025 to review the results of the public comments/vote, and to select the final artist for the commission of this project. As a result of that meeting, the Public Art Jury is recommending that the commission of this public art project be awarded to Hooman Mehdizadehjafari. It is anticipated that the selected artist will begin fabricating the work in October 2025 to be completed for installation in April 2026. D. Thompson inquires about the safety due to the public art structure will be accessible to climb on. J. St. Amant states the final design is still being constructed – but will consider the following comments to share with the artist so the art structure will meet safety requirements. D. Thompson also suggests the idea of ensuring proper lighting that spotlights on the art piece. J. St. Amant states funding may be accepted for the final design with all suggestions and comments considered. C. Farrell is seeking endorsement by the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by S. Ramoutar. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.4 – Public Art – Celebration of Ernie Coombs – Artist Selection – for endorsement J. St. Amant gave a brief overview regarding the Public Art Commission – Celebration of Ernie Coombs. This project seeks a permanent outdoor public artwork to be installed at East Woodlands Park, adjacent to the George Ashe Library & Community Centre (GALCC) in Pickering. Submissions were evaluated based on eligibility, adherence to submission guidelines, and demonstrated experience in creating permanent public art. Page 5 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) During the Call to Artists – Expression of Interest issued on December 6, 2024 – 20 submissions were collected worldwide. The Public Art Jury met on March 6, 2025, to review the 12 submissions that qualified for the project. After deliberation, the jury, including representatives from Ernie Coombs' estate, shortlisted three artists to move forward with the development of an art concept, with final designs due May 5, 2025. The Public Art Jury including project stakeholders met again on June 5, 2025 to select the final artist for the commission of this project. As a result of that meeting, the Public Art Jury are recommending that the commission of this public art project be awarded to Artist Kseniya Tsoy. Pending endorsement of the final designs at the June 2025 CAC meeting, a Report to Council will be presented during the September Executive Committee Meeting for final endorsement. M. McFarland inquires if the family has been notified of the selection of the artist and artwork. C. Farrell advises that the family was involved throughout the process of the selection – but have yet to be notified. J. St. Amant states that the artist successfully embodied the elements of Ernie Coombs. J. St. Amant is seeking endorsement from the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by D. Davis. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.5 – Public Art – Community Banner Series – Shortlist – for endorsement J. St. Amant discussed the Community Banner Series – Call for Expression of Interest that had began on April 25, 2025, to identify their intent to design street banners that will animate and transform the Page 6 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) streetscape into welcoming and engaging spaces. Artists were asked to include a resume/CV, references, brief artist statement outlining interest in project, showing relevant experience, ability, and general artistic approach, and a maximum of 10 images of past work. Design proposals were not included at this stage. The City invited artists to respond to this call by May 30, 2025 and received 60 applications. Of those EOI’s received, 25 were selected for review by the Public Art Jury who were called upon to review the submissions and identified a top 5 shortlist. The Public Art Jury reviewed the 25 EOI’s the week of June 2, 2025 and have identified a top five shortlist based on artistic excellence and demonstrated or perceived ability to create and execute an innovative, engaging public artwork that is complementary to the overall design scheme and community context. A copy of each selected artist EOI has been included. The top five short-list selected artists as determined by the Public Art Jury will be invited to participate in stage 1. As part of stage 1, the shortlisted artists will be notified on June 18, 2025 and invited to submit a conceptual design proposal for the series of seven (7) banners. Shortlisted artists will be paid a fee of $1,500.00 (+HST) for their submission of the conceptual design banner series by August 15, 2025. The top three artists selected at the end of stage 1 by the Public Art Jury will proceed to stage 2 where they will complete their final designs for fabricated and installed on Kingston Road and Valley Farm Road in December 2025. These banners will be on display for two years. 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. J. St. Amant states the artists will be notified as soon as they are selected. Page 7 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) J. St. Amant is seeking endorsement from the Cultural Advisory Committee members. Moved by A. Palmer. All in favour. There were no additional questions. Carried. 6.6 – Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) Subcommittee – Update M. McFarland provided a brief update regarding the PACE Subcommittee stating that the committee’s current cultural database and mailing list was distributed to gain feedback from the community. The committee inquired about the upcoming Cultural Fusion Consultation which will occur at Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex on Monday, July 9, 2025, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. M. McFarland advises their research project will be put on hold until September. J. St. Amant suggests participating in Cultural Fusion, by setting up a booth with additional information to spread awareness. Lastly, D. Davis has volunteered to complete the artwork for the cultural storybook initiative. 6.6 – Pickering Arts Culture Engagement (PACE) Subcommittee – Update C. Farrell brought forth discussion regarding the 2026 John. E. Anderson Gallery Exhibit Plan. The John E. Anderson Gallery Room at the Pickering Heritage & Cultural Centre (PHCC) is named in honor of John E. Anderson, a former Mayor of Pickering, recognizing his contributions to the city. As a dedicated exhibition space within the 44,000 sq. ft. facility, the gallery measures 11 meters by 9.4 meters, with a ceiling height of 3.4 meters, which may vary depending on the placement of lighting, projection, and sound equipment. Action: M. McFarland to distribute the PACE minutes/overview. Action: PACE to register a booth with N. Lew for Cultural Fusion. Page 8 of 8 Item/ Ref # Details, Discussion & Conclusion (summary of discussion) Action Items/Status (include deadline as appropriate) Designed for versatility, the gallery is equipped with a hanging rail system, display cases, moveable walls, an immersive sound system, and a projector system, ensuring dynamic and interactive exhibits. City of Pickering staff are actively curating the 2026 exhibit lineup, offering a diverse range of exhibitions throughout the year, each introduced with a special opening event to engage the community. With the PHCC’s grand opening scheduled for April 2026, the John E. Anderson Gallery Room will serve as a focal point for cultural expression, storytelling, and artistic discovery, celebrating Pickering’s heritage while fostering new connections through exhibitions and programming. There were no additional questions. Carried. 7. Correspondence There was no additional correspondence to report. 8. Other Business There was no additional business to report. 9. Next Meeting – September 16, 2025 10. Adjournment Moved by all. Carried. Meeting Adjourned: 7:54 pm Copy: Director, Community Services