Wagga Wagga City Council
Public Art Plan 2010-2012
Contents 1
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Introduction
Principles and Protocols
Vision/Objectives Context The Public Art Plan
Principles . Artistic Quality and Innovation . Uniqueness, Identity and respect for Heritage . Commitment to Diversity . Access and Participation . Collaboration and Partnerships . Environmental and Sustainability . Employment . Research and Publication . Best Practice . Transparency Protocols . Aboriginal Engagement . Heritage and Conservation . Civic Precinct Conservation Plan . Wiradjuri Heritage Study 2002.
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Types of Projects
Selection
Implementation
. Legacy Projects . Artist Initiated Projects . Council Initiated Projects Internal Council Officer Recommendations . Community Engagement/ Enhancement Projects . Cultural Infrastructure Projects . Design Consultation and Advocacy . Maintenance, Tendering and Administration.
Project Selection Processes . Art Policy . Open Call . By Invitation - Invitational . Commissions for artists of regional or national stature . By Curation . As Public/Private Partnerships . By Register
The Planning Process Gateways to the City Increased Linkage and CBD Enhancement Wider LGA
Project Selection Criteria . Project Brief
Schedule of Works Budget Conclusion
Appendices
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Introduction Vision/Objectives Context The Public Art Plan
Egret in Flight 1999 Michael Murphy 2
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Vision/Objectives The Wagga Wagga Art Plan continues the development of a collection of enriching public artworks that reflect our city’s status as a progressive, socially and culturally diverse inland community. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Public Art Plan 2010 - 2012 seeks to commission artworks that reveal,surprise, challenge and celebrate Wagga Wagga and that will remain a legacy to the city and surrounding areas.
The Public Art Program is both inclusive and comprehensive celebrating the diversity of our community.
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“This plan will guide how the Wagga Wagga City Council supports and invests in the creative sector through public art activity over the next two years.” Context Wagga Wagga is a dynamic, multicultural regional city set in a spectacular natural environment. With a rich cultural history, Wagga Wagga is constantly redefining its cultural expression. There is a growing understanding and celebration of our emerging communities and Aboriginal cultural heritage as well as recognition of existing traditions from diverse cultural backgrounds. Wagga Wagga City Council has been incorporating contemporary public art throughout the City – from the Baylis main street upgrade to the Civic Centre and Wollundry Lagoon construction in 1999. In 2008, Wagga Wagga City Council adopted the Public Art Policy which allowed for the provision of a 1% levy on capital works to be committed to Public Art. Planning for this program was done by the Public Art Panel in consultation with the relevant Council departments. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Public Art Plan incorporates a vision for art in Wagga Wagga as expressed by the community in the Wagga Wagga City Council Cultural Plan 2005 – 2015, Wagga Wagga City Council Social Plan 2009 – 2013 and supports the Wagga Wagga Community Strategic Plan 2005 – 2015 and Which Way Wagga Vision 2030. This plan will guide how the Wagga Wagga City Council supports and invests in the creative sector through public art activity over the next two years.
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The Public Art Plan The Public Art Plan will work with artists, communities, business and other relevant stakeholders to commission contemporary public art. The intent is to provide for the creation of art that expresses the spirit, values, vision and poetry of place that collectively define Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas. 6
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Principles and Protocols Principles . Artistic Quality and Innovation . Uniqueness, Identity and respect for Heritage . Commitment to Diversity . Access and Participation . Collaboration and Partnerships . Environmental Sustainability . Employment . Research and Publication . Best Practice . Transparency Protocols . Aboriginal Engagement . Heritage and Conservation . Civic Precinct Conservation Plan . Wiradjuri Heritage Study 2002. 8
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Forest Seat 2000 Simon Lloyd 9
Principles The Public Art Plan is founded on the following principles: . Artistic Quality and Innovation . Uniqueness, Identity and respect for Heritage . Commitment to Diversity . Access and Participation . Collaboration and Partnerships . Environmental and Sustainability . Employment . Research and Publication . Best Practice . Transparency 10
Artistic Quality and Innovation To support projects that aspire to the highest level of creativity, artistic excellence, innovation in commissioning and use of materials, practiced in the field of public art nationally and internationally. To encourage works that can challenge, stimulate and extend innovation through creativity and risk taking. To consider all art forms including temporary and ephemeral works.
Uniqueness, Identity and respect for Heritage To support artworks that will form part of a comprehensive program that communicates the identity and spirit of Wagga Wagga, within a regional, national and international context. To support artworks that celebrate Wagga Wagga’s history, values, natural and built environment and diverse communities and capitalise on the strengths of Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas. To support projects and applicants to consult relevant studies or plans of management such as the Wiradjuri Heritage study to identify, assess and modify places of cultural heritage value with the potential to apply these principles to non heritage places. To assist projects where relevant, to engage conservation architects to analyse heritage significance.
Commitment to Diversity Promote the social and cultural diversity of Wagga Wagga residents and promote the participation of children and young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a disability, older people and people from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds. 11
Access and Participation To support projects that demonstrate an understanding of local cultural issues and value the engagement of local communities. To support proactive outreach to communities through engagement and access to public programs that promote best practice public art commissioning. To support community collaboration that enhances the social value of communal places and experiences through public art and place making.
Collaboration and Partnerships Encourage collaborative partnerships between government and non government stakeholders to achieve high quality commissions which can extend the current benefits of the current public art budget.
Environmental Sustainability To support projects that explore and stimulate a dialogue about macro issues including environmental and sustainability issues. To support projects that can highlight the uniqueness and fragility of the local natural environment.
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Employment Wherever possible to support projects that provide mentorship or employment opportunities for Wagga Wagga artists. To promote professional development training for artists, craft practitioners, designers and arts workers to improve workforce skills. To support projects that promote participation in the arts for young people including projects which will support young and emerging artists and cultural workers to gain experience in public art.
Transparency To ensure that all funding decisions are transparent and made in accordance with the principles of public sector administrative decision making.
Best Practice Provide support to public art practitioners by promoting access to best practice resources and maintaining resources that assist applicants who are new to public art commissioning. The promote the sharing of knowledge across all sectors including the Local Government sector.
Research and Publication To encourage and stimulate civic discourse on the cultivation of a unique public realm. To support artworks that contribute to critical debate and research into public art. 13
“All sites, where applicable, will reference relevant environmental, cultural and built Heritage legislation and/or Studies.�
Protocols Aboriginal Engagement The Public Art Panel references the Wagga Wagga City Council Aboriginal Protocols (2010) and Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Aboriginal Protocol in relation to engagement with the Indigenous community and Indigenous artists. Heritage and Conservation Civic Precinct Conservation Plan All work to be located in the Civic Precinct will reference the Wagga Wagga Civic Precinct Conservation Plan 2010. Wiradjuri Heritage Study 2002 Where applicable sites will reference and align with Wiradjuri Heritage Study 2002 in relation to Indigenous Cultural Heritage.
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Types of Projects “Each project category has the potential to be multi- faceted and include several project types within one project. � For example, a legacy Project may also include Community Engagement projects in conjunction with the main commission.
Bangayarra Walkway 1998 Steven Williams, Sue McPherson and student stydying Aboriginal Art & Cultural Practices TAFE 16
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Legacy Projects Legacy Projects can be temporary or permanent commissions of significant scale and high visibility focused near or around Wagga Wagga’s pre-eminent and most significant sites. These projects will be site-specific and may involve local, national or international artists. Artists may be chosen by invitation, public application or competition process. These projects, which will be funded accordingly, provide an opportunity to significantly contribute to the cultural life of the city and surrounding areas by providing a Legacy. A specialists Public Art Consultant will be employed to project manage Legacy projects.
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“Artists are invited to submit Artist Initiated Projects proposals at any time throughout the year.� Artist Initiated Projects Artists can propose works based on their own ideas and art practice for specific sites in the region. These projects may be either permanent and/or ephemeral. The Artist Initiated Program will invite artists to propose artworks at sites of their choosing or at sites identified by the City or Public Art Arvisory Panel. The impetus for Artist Initiated Projects came from Wagga Wagga Public Art Review and subsequent community consultations. Artists are invited to submit proposals at any time throughout the year. The Public Art Advisory Panel will convene six monthly, in June and December each year, to review and assess any proposals. All submissions will be assessed against the selection criteria outlined in this document. The panel is not required to fund any proposals during these review periods if it is felt the submissions do not reflect the values of the Public Art Guidelines or meet the selection criteria.
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Council Initiated Projects
Internal Council Officer Recommendations Sites suitable for Public art may be identified by Council officers during the planning process. These project sites could incorporate Legacy Projects, requiring long term planning, such as the Airport, to project sites that reflect community sentiment or infrastructure enhancement as part of the community planning process.
Community Engagement/ Enhancement Projects These projects may be community initiated, commissioned or form part of an extension to another project. Communities may wish to work with artists to incorporate artworks, both permanent and ephemeral, into community-based projects. Projects could be initiated by various sections of the community including the Aboriginal community, CALD groups, local community groups and organisations and may address issues of environmental and social outcomes that benefit the city. These projects may be most suited to regionally (local) based artists.
Cultural Infrastructure Projects The Public Art Panel may identify the need for investment into infrastructure in order to facilitate a greater range of programming or to allow the development of technologically based works.
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Design Consultation and Advocacy The public art panel will actively work with departments of council to increase the inclusion of art and artistic input into the design of public infrastructure such as bridges, amenities blocks and street furniture. Project involvement may not only be limited to the selection of sites for public art work but may include consultancy and advice around design and placemaking principles as part of a development application process. This may include the use of innovative materials or elements for built infrastructure. The aim of the Public Art Panel is to work over time to have the potential for Public Art included as part of conditions or planning consent for major development across the city.
Maintenance, Tendering and Administration The public art fund will also be used for related expenses such as the maintenance of existing and future artworks, tendering processes, public art consultant fees to oversee projects when required, administration and professional engagement with the sector.
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“The aim of the Public Art Panel is to work over time to have the potential for Public Art included as part of conditions or planning consent for major development across the city.� 22
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Selection Project Selection Processes . Art Policy . Open Call . By Invitation - Invitational . Commissions for artists of regional or national stature . By Curation . As Public/Private Partnerships . By Register Project Selection Criteria . Project Brief
Helix 2005 Adam Hoss Ayres 24
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Project Selection Processes The Wagga Wagga City Council Public Art Advisory Panel is comprised of members who provide expertise on selection of artists and evaluation of artwork proposals. The panel includes art professionals, community representation, cross directorate Council staff including Planning, Infrastructure, Parks and Cultural staff. The composition of the Public Art Advisory Panel is explained in the Public Art Policy. Note: Under the Local Government Act, all projects must comply with Council’s procurement policy. There is a variety of selection processes and approaches for commissioning works:
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Local Government (General) regulations 2005 state that for contracts over $150000, local Council are required to enter into the Tendering Process as outlined in Part 7 - Tendering.
“... comprised of members who provide expertise on selection of artists and evaluation of artwork proposals.” Open Call This is an open call to all artists and allows for a broad range of ideas, artistic experience and art practices. This process provides opportunities for a wide range of artists including younger or emerging artists, both local and national. For example, in an Ideas Competition, the project site and brief are advertised and artists are asked to send in concept proposals for a pre-determined site. A Committee-based selection panel will choose the winning proposal. This approach is suited to a wide range of projects and may include community-based Public Art projects; Council initiated projects and Legacy Projects. By Invitation - Invitational Commissions for artists of regional or national stature Artists are invited by the Public Art Advisory Panel to submit expressions of interest and resumes of previous work. Artists may then be asked to an interview or to submit proposals. This method is appropriate when looking for experienced artists for Legacy Projects or when the project requires specific expertise. These artists would be expected to work with the community and offer professional development opportunities such as workshops, artist talks and residencies. By Curation Public art curators can be invited to submit qualifications and proposals for selected artists for a significant project. This process can support both emerging and experienced artists and curators. As Public/Private Partnerships The Public Art Panel may be approached by the private sector to provide advice about the inclusion of Public Art as part of the private development process. Public/private partnerships may also be sought to maximise and extend the current scope of the existing public art plan. Public/Private partnerships are always considered under Council’s obligation against the Department of Local Government Public/Private Guidelines. By Register A register of qualified artists will be developed by the Selection Panel based on a review of artists who respond to an open call. Artists may then be invited to apply for specific projects by the Committee at a later date. 27
Project Selection Criteria The Plan aims to commission an innovative body of public artworks in Wagga Wagga. Projects must: Reflect the City of Wagga Wagga cultural values of creativity, excellence, diversity, openness and accessibility, with reference to the Cultural Plan and Which Way Wagga Wagga Vision 2030. Address the Public Art Plan principles. Be developed in a collaborative manner with partners, leveraging new resources and opportunities. Be conceptualised and designed by professional artists/curators. Be identified and selected through fair and transparent processes. Be implemented in accordance with the City’s Public Art Policy and Guidelines. Show demonstrated Capacity e.g. examples of previous public commissions.
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Proposal Assessment Council will assess proposals for public artwork based on the following criteria: WEIGHTING
RANKED SCORE
Artistic merit
30%
1 – 10
Relevance to the project brief
30%
1 – 10
Practical considerations (safety, location, maintenance)
10%
1 – 10
Accessibility – the art can be enjoyed and understood by a diverse range of the community
10%
1 – 10
Integration with proposed location, including heritage and environmental considerations
20%
1 – 10
CATEGORY
Note: Guide only, will vary from project to project.
Project Brief The project brief must include: Specific goals and outcomes of the project Description of commissioning model List of people involved and responsibilities, including collaborations and partnerships Project management considerations Target audience Selection process and criteria Risk assessment report Location of artwork, site information Time schedule Budget breakdown Copyright and legal information Note: Guide only, will vary from project to project.
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“Projects must reflect the City of Wagga Wagga’s cultural values of creativity, excellence, diversity, openness and accessibility.”
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Implementation The Planning Process Gateways to the City Increased Linkage and CBD Enhancement Wider LGA Schedule of Works Budget Conclusion Appendices
Mary and Muuj 2000 Mary Perrott-Stimson 32
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The Planning Process The Public Art Advisory Panel has considered a wide range of plans as part of the planning process; this includes a review of Council Master Plans such as the Bomen Masterplan, the Airport Masterplan, Bolton Park/Robertson Oval Masterplan, Riverside Wagga Wagga as well as plans of management and other community consultation documents such as the Which Way Wagga Wagga 2030 Vision as part of its research into suitable site for public art locations. Through this process the panel has identified the following locations as priority sites for the placement of public art.
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Gateways to the City By Air Airport – a major work or works to complement recent capital works The airport is a major gateway to the city and creates a ‘first and last impression’ for travelers to the city by air. Tourism is an important part of the local economy. As such, market research shows that our most frequent tourist visitor by air is the visiting friend or relative (vfr) as well as the ‘recreation’ or ‘business’ traveler. The airport sees approx 210,000 travelers annually utilising the two commercial airlines, Regional Express and Qantas. This number increases significantly if we include the combination of people picking up and dropping off passengers. This site presents a major exposure opportunity for place making through public art. By Road Town Entry points as identified in the City Entrances Strategy The Wagga Wagga City Council City Entrances Strategy categorises entrance ways into three tiers of priority. The Tier One entry statement presents the opportunity to create a high profile first impression or passing experience of the City by road. Tier Two is identified as locations that serve as “moments of Truth” about Wagga Wagga. Tier Three identified as Suburb Markers. By Rail Railway Street Roundabout on Baylis Street The Railway Street roundabout is the first entry point to the city by rail and presents a significant opportunity to influence first impressions by rail.
“The Schedule of Works includes an allocation towards Maintenance that is provided from the 1% public art levy and inclusive of the re-current Public Art Maintenance budget in the Cultural and Community Services budget.” (Appendix 1)
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Increased Linkage and CBD Enhancement Considerable public art investment has already occurred around the Wagga Wagga City Council Civic Precinct, Baylis Street and Wollundry Lagoon area over the past decade. Additional investment will finish off and enhance existing investment providing for stronger linkages between existing public art placement surrounding the Wollundry Lagoon, the Baylis main street areas and the proposed Riverside Wagga Wagga development. Kincaid and Crampton Streets Roundabout (Fitzmaurice Street end) Book end to the Railway Street roundabout, public art provides the opportunity to create a cohesive link between Baylis and Fitzmaurice Street, supporting the aims of the Wagga Wagga City Council Central Business District (CBD) Retail Strategy through enhancing placemaking in the CBD. Civic Precinct and Wollundry Lagoon This precinct is bounded by Morrow Street and Baylis Street and includes the Glass Corner in vicinity of the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery as well as the Civic Theatre building. This area is a melting pot of local people, tourists, school groups and cultural visitors and therefore is a position of high visibility for public art for all members of the community. Bolton Park Youth Precinct Bolton Park is a highly utilised recreation reserve for many members of the community. Masterplans have been recently completed on the site with a focus for youth activity. As such this reserve presents a high exposure opportunity for public art works that reflect this amenity and character.
Wider LGA Local Villages Wagga Wagga City Council is currently developing local village plans for each of its nine villages. These plans improve opportunities and accessibility and placemaking forms part of this function. Public art works provide an opportunity to reflect village amenity and character and provide opportunities for local art practitioners and residents. 36
Other areas that can benefit from public art consideration include: Roundabouts in Tarcutta Street Willans Hill and surrounds Lake Albert Road railway bridge structure Apex Park Estella Overpass - Olympic Way Bolton Park Old Mill Site (Privately owned development)
Integrated Planning
Budget
The Public Art Panel acknowledges that site consideration should take into account other plans being prepared across Council which may have an effect on site selection.
The outline in Appendix 1 & 2 is money made availale from S94 funds which are allocated from a 1% levy on all Capital Works (excluding Sewerage). The estimates for 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2013/14 are estimates based on current planning and are subject to change.
In order to facilitate this, Council officers will be invited to panel meetings where relevant to provide information to the panel to better inform decision making.
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“This Public art Plan identifies a commitment to a vision that is relevant to our community as identified through extensive community consultation process undertaken by council.�
Conclusion This plan undertakes to create a vibrant city that places culture at it’s heart to allow community dialogue and exploration. The plan aims to enrich the city through place making, commissioning, education, maintenance and open dialogue with a consideration for future city planning processes. The Public Art Plan address the NSW State Plan in the following areas: Grow cities and centers as functional and attractive places to live, work and visit Increase access to knowledge and skills in partnership with universities Strengthen Aboriginal Communities Increase employment and community participation for people with disabilities Increase the number of people engaged in volunteering Increase the number of people using parks Increase the number of people participating in the arts and cultural activity 38
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Appendix 1 Schedule of Proposed Works 2010-2013 The schedule for public works for the following financial year’s 2010/11and 2011/12 include:SITE LOCATION
TIMELINE
FUNDED
BUDGET
Airport precinct (Air)
2010/11 with potential for future staging
Public Art Fund
$300,000
City Entrances, Tier 1 (Road) Public Art Work 1
2010/11 2011/12
S94
$243,855
City Entrances, Tier 1 (Road) Public Art Work 2
2010/11 2011/12
S94
$ included in above
Roundabout – Railway Street (Rail)
2011/12
Unfunded
Roundabouts –Fitzmaurice Street
2011/12
Unfunded
CBD Video Wall
2010/11 2011/12
Public Art Fund
$160,000
Oasis – Bolton Park adjunct
2010/11
Public Art Fund
$60,000
Bolton Park Youth Precinct
2011/12
Public Art Fund
$10,000
2010/11 2011/12
Public Art Fund
$60,000
2011/12
Public Art Fund
$50,000
For two years
Public Art Fund
$71,695
GATEWAYS
CBD ENHANCEMENT
WIDER LGA Neighbourhood & Villages ARTIST INITIATED Site to be determined MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Administration, Documentation, Marketing and Professional advice, Maintenance
TOTAL (funded)
$960,050.40
Appendix 2 Please see below for a summary of the Public Art Reserve. Please note that the estimated transfer to the Public Art Reserve from 2010/11 onwards are an estimate only. Public Art Plan 2010 – 2012 Commitments $100,845.00 – 2008/09 capital projects 1% levy $227,271.91 – 2009/10 capital projects 1% levy $243,855.00 – 2009/10 S94 City Entrances Budget $216,987.15 – 2010/11 capital projects 1% levy (estimate only) $222,841.34 – 2011/12 capital projects 1% levy (estimate only) $1011,800.40 Total Committed Less Expended items ($25,500.00) – 2009/10 Kidsville Public Art project ($26,250.00) – 2009/10 Zoo Native Animal Enclosure project $960,050.40 Total Committed Future estimates of Public Art Reserves 2012 - 2014 $200,892.60 2012/13 $247,062.53 2013/14 $447,955.13 Total Committed 2012 - 2014
Appendix 3 References Wagga Wagga City Council Schedule of works 2010-2013 Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 – Part 7 – Tendering. Wagga Wagga City Council Public Art Policy - POL 150 Public Art Panel Media Strategy 2010 Wagga Wagga Art Gallery Indigenous Protocol Draft 2010 Wagga Wagga City Council Indigenous Acknowledgement POL Wagga Wagga City Council Commitment to Indigenous Australians (POL ) 2003