Members

J. McIntyre, Chair

D. Castello, Vice Chair

K. McLeod

P. Tripathi

A. Gauci

Regrets

Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor A. Chiu

A. Riaz

E. Chong

P. Leonidis

Staff

J. Ryerson, Manager, Varley Art Gallery

B. Labelle, Committee Clerk

The eighth meeting of the Public Art Advisory Committee convened at 7:06 p.m.

1. MINUTES OF THE MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 17, 2005

THE MARKHAM PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDS:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Markham Public Art Advisory Committee held on October 17, 2005 be adopted.

CARRIED

2. PRELIMINARY DISCUSSION FOR THE 2006 ENVIRONMENTAL
ART PROJECT

There was discussion regarding whether a request for funding should be put forth to cover the anticipated expenditures for the 2006 Environmental Art Event or whether they would be covered by a current funding allocation. Members also discussed possible timelines in which the event could take place and whether the project should focus primarily on Markham students or whether it should be divided between professional artist submissions and those from students. Ms. McLeod offered to compose a call for proposals and canvass her colleagues within the school system to assess the existing level of interest. It was noted that professional artists could work alongside students as consultants and or facilitators for the 2006 project. Members suggested that it was necessary to contact them as soon as possible to ensure their availability.

There was debate as to whether a theme should be applied to the 2006 event. ‘Earth Matters’ and following Markham’s identity as a ‘Character Community’ were mentioned as possibilities. The Committee discussed the prospect of once again apportioning the installations by communities within the Town and utilizing the Communities in Bloom National competition as a communications channel. Members suggested that a list of possible sites for the installations be brought forward to a forthcoming Markham Public Art Advisory Committee meeting. Additionally, members discussed ways to improve the signage and publicity for the 2006 event.

3. PUBLIC ART POLICIES – THOUGHTS AND IDEAS

It was noted that Ms. Irvine would be retaining the services of a consultant in January 2006 to assist the Committee with the development of a Public Art Policy for the Town of Markham. Members suggested that a formal criteria used to consider artists and locations for public art installations is critical to the success of MPAAC. Members discussed the possibility of creating a package that could be used to assist developers within Markham as to how public art may be incorporated into the designs. It was agreed that such a document may increase the profile of MPAAC.

The Markham Public Art Advisory Committee adjourned at 8:25 p.m.