Roundabout Art Project

Roundabout Art Jessie Recalma

From start to finish. Three months. Ninety days. That is how long it took for the piece of art that is in the center of the roundabout to come from an idea to installation. Other than the golf course bridge, I cannot think of any other town project that has proceeded so quickly.

You are correct if you thought that it only seemed like yesterday that this project first appeared. It was in the June 26 2024 council meeting agenda that the proposal was put forward.

The staff recommendation was to proceed with production, installation and placement of the art piece in the center of the roundabout, and that additional funding for the project be reallocated from excess funds from the Highway 19A ditch infill budget.

In their memo to council accompanying the recommendation, staff suggested the following as alternative options:

1. Postpone the decision to move forward with the installation;

2. Direct staff to source a different style of art piece; or

3. Direct staff to prepare a public Request for Proposals soliciting designs for artwork for the center of the roundabout.

Other than a brief question as to whether there were any safety issues associated with the art piece, there was no discussion by council and staff's recommendation was passed unanimously. No consideration was given to staff's alternative options. The full presentation, including voting, took less than 5 minutes. Based on the $65,100 expected cost of the project, a spend of approximately $13,000 per minute.

In the interest of full disclosure, I must state that I was not in favour of an art installation of any kind. I believe that the $65,100 could have been better spent. For example, one years rent on a health clinic; two years residential rent subsidy for a health professional; assuming a cost of $1500 a piece this money could have bought 43 park benches; almost enough for two extra councilors; consultant's fees for two further airport studies; use your imagination.

In most municipalities, the provision of public art begins with a request for expressions of interest in which artists are invited to submit an application expressing their interest in the project and outlining their qualifications and experience. From this, a limited number of artists will be shortlisted. The short listed artists will then be invited to submit concept proposals to a selection panel, typically composed of community members and art professionals. The selection committee will review the proposals and recommend, to council, the artist for the awarding of the commission. For some municipalities, the "rules" around public art proposals are set forth in written policies (for example, the District of Saanich's "Comprehensive Arts Policy"). Coincidently, the City of Surrey currently has an expression of interest for public art work in the center of a future roundabout. The scale of the project is similar to our roundabout art project and the process being followed in Surrey is similar to the aforementioned process.

I pass no judgement on the art piece itself. After all, as they say art is in the eye of the beholder. However, if an art piece was necessary, a proper call for submissions should have been made and some form of public participation in the final choice should have been considered.

J Noel

September 27 2024

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