MOOSEJAWTODAY.COM — For the first time since it was implemented over two years ago, city council has updated its public art policy to ensure the purpose, goals and procedures continue reflecting the community’s needs.
Council adopted the public art policy in February 2022 as part of the transition from the murals management committee to the public art committee.
The parks and recreation department drafted the original policy based on feedback from several groups and individuals, including the executive committee, the parks, recreation and facilities advisory committee, the Moose Jaw Museum and Art Gallery, and mural artist Grant McLaughlin.
McLaughlin has been heavily involved with the murals program for decades and has experience working with other municipalities on public art initiatives.
The public art committee presented an updated public art policy during council’s recent May meeting, with council unanimously voting to accept the amended document.
The amendments are contained in four categories: purpose, definitions, scope and procedures, according to a council report.
Purpose
The committee has added wording to clarify that “public art” does not include city-owned art under the jurisdiction and control of the Moose Jaw Art Museum Incorporated. This was done to address any confusion about responsibilities for public art acquisitions.
Definitions
The group amended the definition of “public art fund” to include the promotion of public art as a funding priority, while it amended the objectives and guiding principles by placing more emphasis on incorporating the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action into public art initiatives when possible.
Scope
With funding, the policy now proposes that a minimum of $7,000 be set aside for emergency repairs or projects, with the remaining balance to be distributed in a 70/30 split:
- 70 per cent of the fund balance will be allocated for new art acquisitions
- 30 per cent of the fund balance will be allocated for art maintenance, promotion and planning
Also, all third-party public art initiatives on public property are now subject to review and recommendation by the public art committee in consultation with city hall departments and approval from city council.
Moreover, all approved third-party public art initiatives will require an agreement to be developed with the city about ownership, installation and maintenance as recommended by the committee or city departments.
Procedure
One procedural change will see the city and committee review the public art policy every two years instead of every year to ensure the document’s goals, purpose and procedures reflect the community’s current needs.
Another change sees the committee making recommendations about indoor locations for public art in consultation with city administration to determine appropriate spots for installation.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, May 27.
