MINUTES

MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE

May 14, 2008

Meeting No. 4

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PRESENT REGRETS

Members Joanne Olson Judi McIntyre Alina Tarbhai Staff Laura Gold, Committee Clerk John Ryerson, Director of Culture

Regrets Jane Perdue, Consultant Anna Gauci Paul Leonidis Anderson Coward Matthew Korchinski Sean Colangelo Tony Wong, Regional Councillor Linda Irvine, Mgr., Parks & Open Spaces

The fourth meeting of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee in 2008 convened without quorum at 7:05 PM, with Judi Mclntrye presiding as Chair.

1. MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY

COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD ON FEBRUARY 13,
AND APRIL 9, 2008

As there was no quorum, approval of the February 13 and the April 9, 2008 Markham Public Art Advisory Committee Minutes was deferred to the next meeting.

2. MUNICIPAL PUBLIC ART PLAN

The update on the Municipal Public Art Plan was deferred to the next meeting.

3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

3. A. Liberty Development – Cast Bronze Sculpture Update

Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks & Open Space, will provide an update at the next meeting.

3. B. Art on the Street

The Committee reviewed the notes provided by Cheryl Rego, Public Program Coordinator, on “Bringing Art to the Streets”, which involved placing pieces of art at local businesses around the community and creating a walking tour. The Committee Members liked the idea and believed it could be simulated in Markham.

4. ELECTION OF THE CHAIR

The election of the Chair and Vice-Chair was deferred to the next meeting, as there was no quorum.

5. ART ON ICE EVENT

The Committee inquired whether it had funding for next years “Art on Ice” event. Laura Gold, Committee Clerk, agreed to follow-up on this inquiry and report back at the next meeting. Committee Members believed a sponsorship package should be created for next years “Art on Ice” event. The package should be simple and include a brief description of the event, the location of the event, the date and time of the event, and some pictures from the 2007event.

6. PUBLIC ART COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The Committee discussed the possibility of hosting a series of public art community projects. Some ideas the Committee had included a banner project, sand sculptures, and news paper sculptures. Committee Members agreed the project should involve some type of a competition. The Committee felt the first step was to select a location for the community project. Milliken Mills Park was considered as a potential location for one or more of the community projects. It was suggested that this year be devoted to the planning of the community projects and next year to the execution of the projects. John Ryerson, Director of Culture, requested this item be added to the next agenda.

7. PUBLIC ART MATERIAL

John Ryerson, Director of Culture, distributed a brochure promoting public art to developers created by the City of Vancouver. He also distributed a list of websites with information pertaining to public art that he believed could be useful resources for the Committee. Alina Tarbhai was requested to review these websites and provide a report to the Committee at the next meeting. The Committee agreed a brochure needs to be created promoting public art in Markham and the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee.

8. PUBLIC ART AND NEW CAPITAL PROJECTS

The Committee agreed developers should be charged a small fee that should go towardspublic art for new developments. They believed the Town needs to consider public art in its 20 year plan and that major routes entering Markham should make a statement, like for instance a series of sculptures as you enter Markham along Highway 7. The Committee considered making a resolution to Council requesting the Town review the municipality’s new capital projects in order to have input in regards to public art. Committee Members voiced their concern regarding what they see as the lack of consideration in regards to public art in the planning process of new capital projects within the Town and indicated public art was an important aspect in creating a sense of place.

9. SOCIAL CAPITAL AND PUBLIC ART

Mr. Ryerson explained the concept of social capital, which is representative of locations within a municipality where social networking occurs. He explained that research suggests social networking is occurring in non-traditional places like, parks, malls, libraries, and museums. The research also suggests these areas should be densely developed to optimize the use of social capital and that the aesthetics of these areas should be strengthened with public art to encourage social networking. He noted most great cities and towns are known for there public monuments.

10. ADJOURNMENT

The fourth meeting of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee adjourned at 8:05 PM.