Lethbridge City Council gives the green light for $226,000 ATB public artwork projects

A Public Art Plan for ATB Centre was commissioned back in 2016 by the City of Lethbridge Art Committee. $450,000 was set aside from the Public Art Fund for projects in the facility, and eight public art opportunities in both the first and second phases of the facility have been identified. The intent of the projects is to make the ATB Centre a vibrant and inviting place for residents and visitors.

Lint says the kind of artwork that’s going into Phase Two is not like artwork someone might purchase at gallery.

“Public art pieces are large constructed pieces that have very specific and strident requirements in order to be safe, to be durable, to stand the test of time to be installed properly. So artists who are doing the work typically are doing engineered drawings. They’re accessing commercial grade materials. So I liken it to a small construction project, rather than a painting project.”

That said, unlike some construction projects, the guarantee on the quality of work for both pieces is one year from the time it’s completed.

When asked about why the work wasn’t guaranteed for a longer period of time because of the high humidity and chlorine levels in the facility, Lint said the reality is that the architects and artists can’t be on the hook forever.

“It’s a typical rider in public art programs,” she explained.

Several councillors also had questions about the cost, the budget, and even one of the artists selected, including Mark Campbell, who wondered whether the decision to select Calgary’s Derek Besant occurred before or after he was caught using copyrighted promotional photographs of British comedians for use in a $20,000 public artwork project in Calgary several months ago.

Lint explained that the artist wasn’t chosen per se, but the artwork was.

“The work was chosen essentially. There was a selection committee that’s made up of diverse members of the community; community members, expertise technical support. And as they debated the works, his particular piece seemed to be the best fit with the space it was going in.

“The committee was aware of the controversy Mr. Besant has found himself in recently. But none of those concerns existed with the piece that was selected, which involves images – water images – which are his.”

Lint also said that all of the City of Lethbridge pubic artwork contracts have a requirement that the artwork is original.

Besant has since recognized and apologized for using the copyrighted material, however some photographers may be seeking financial compensation.

The cost of the artwork was also questioned by Councillor Joe Mauro, who said he could not support the project because he couldn’t see the “big value” or “bang for the buck.”

“Art is great, art is good, but art is something that you spend your money when you have extra money,” he said.

However, Councillor Belinda Crowson told the presenters that public art is essential for the community, while Mayor Chris Spearman pointed out that council often supports sporting events, so works of art should also be included.

And without public artwork, Councillor Rob Miyashiro said the city would look like “a soviet bloc.”

The decision to spend the money was approved by an 8-1 vote. Lint says the artists will now be notified of the decision and contracts will be written up. The artwork should be completed either in late 2018 or early 2019.

by Lara Fominoff @LaraFominoff on Twitter

Lethbridge City Council gives the green light for $226,000 ATB public artwork projects

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