Attendance

Councillor J. Virgilio

Councillor A. Chiu

Linda Irvine, Manager, Parks and Open Space Development

Sharon Gaum-Kuchar, Director/Curator, Varley Art Gallery

Karen Boniface, Parks Planner

Marjorie Rebane, Manager, Corporate Communications

Judy Kee, Committee Clerk

Regrets

Councillor E. Shapero

Councillor K. Usman

The meeting convened at the hour of 2:10 p.m.

1. STATUS - DRAFT PUBLIC ART POLICY

Ms. Linda Irvine advised that this meeting had been called to discuss the requirements of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Town and the organizers of the International Stone Sculpture Symposium to be held in Markham in 2004, however, a few remarks were made relating to the draft public art policy status, as follows:

- Sharon Gaum-Kuchar presented her written comments on the draft policy

- Linda Irvine advised that Council had requested that copies of the draft policy be distributed to each Member of Council to give each Member an opportunity to submit their comments, and this had been done on January 7th.

- Committee members were also asked to forward further comments on the draft policy to Linda Irvine

- Marjorie Rebane advised that she would put together a Master Contact Sheet

2. INTERNATIONAL STONE SCULPTURE
SYMPOSIUM (ISSS) IN MARKHAM 2004

Committee had before it background information on the International Stone Sculpture Symposium (ISSS) event to be held in Markham between June 6 and July 1, 2004 at Toogood Pond in Unionville for a period of three weeks.

Sharon Gaum-Kuchar, Director/Curator of the Varley Art Gallery, had been requested at the last meeting of Committee to report back to this meeting regarding the "Call for Artists" and the "Memorandum of Understanding". A draft copy of the "Call for Artists" was before Committee.

Members raised the following issues that should be included in the MOU:

the responsibility for the removal/disposal of the stone sculptures would be that of the organizers, at their cost, if Town or Varley Art Gallery does not wish to keep sculptures
the organizers must repair and restore site to its original condition
organizers must adhere to "Call for Artists"
Town's responsibility is location and site preparation only
concern re Toogood Pond area being flood prone; alternative site? (Plan B); any loss would be at organizers expense;
organizers would be responsible for raising money; and the organizers would have to be willing to take loss of $350,000
event begins on the same week-end as Unionville Festival; specific arrangements must be made with respect to scheduling and access to site before Unionville Festival (extra work-load for Town staff)
clarify if Town is to be expected to move stone; if so, a budget would be required for all the work required; $50,000 would include contractor fees and rental of equipment; possibility of placing sculptures on site well in advance of the event
would significant tent structures be required?
security may be required day and night; concerns regarding vandalism
liability insurance coverage relating to the Town should be clarified; organizers must have insurance also
include clause relating to possible donations and tax receipts (Town of Markham, and cultural properties); capital gains exempt
include clause allowing Town to choose/acquire one of the sculptures (have "pick of the litter") at no cost, if desired, however, Town would not be obliged to keep any artwork
discussion regarding the future maintenance of the artwork; agreed that this would be covered in the Public Art Policy; however it was noted that limestone is relatively maintenance free

discussion regarding scenario of all artwork being taken away - what benefit if any, to Town?; residents may purchase piece and donate to Town (tax receipt obtained)

It was agreed that Ms. Gaum-Kuchar would put together a draft MOU document for the consideration of Committee for early in the week of January 13th, at which time a further brief meeting of Committee may have to be arranged, prior to presentation to the January 20th, 2003 meeting of the Finance & Administrative Committee.

At this time, Members went on to briefly discuss the draft "Call for Artists" document, which was before them. It was noted that the Theme of the Symposium was shown as "Personal experience with Nature", and it was agreed that it should include some reference to the Canadian Group of Seven artists and their work. Ms. Karen Boniface provided Ms. Gaum-Kuchar with historic information about Toogood Pond, in addition to information on wildlife in the area.

3. NEXT STEPS

Committee discussed tentative presentation dates for the Draft Policy, as follows:

February 18 - Presentation of Draft Public Art Policy to Development

Services Ctte.

Week of March 3 - Public Information Meeting

Early April - Presentation to Council for final approval

4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To be advised.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.