Corporate Policy - Community Initiated Public Art Policy

Policy Statement:

The City of Burlington through the Community Initiated Public Art Policy will create an atmosphere that encourages and supports the development of community-initiated public art projects. This policy will ensure that all community projects align with the identified vision of the Public Art Policy.

Scope:

This policy applies to the Arts and Culture Section and PADIT (Public Art Development Implementation Team) to guide community members that develop and implement community-initiated public art projects.

Vision:

Public art will contribute to Burlington’s unique and vibrant community identity by affirming a sense of place, strengthening connections between people and place, and celebrating the social, historical, cultural, and natural environment. Through the creative vision of artists, public spaces will become focal points for dialogue and delight, attracting visitors and residents, and creating a sense of civic pride. Burlington’s Public Art Program will be realized through processes that engage the community, foster neighbourhood sustainability, and stimulate excellence in the built environment.

Part 1: Objective, Background, Definitions and Exclusions

1.1 Objective

The objective of the Community Initiated Public Art Policy is to provide a framework to guide the development and implementation of community-initiated public art projects. This policy will ensure that all community projects align with the identified vision of the Public Art Policy.

The Community Initiated Public Art Policy guides citizens through participation in the creative process and the development of art that adds vibrancy to a neighbourhood and showcases local stories.

1.2 Background

In 2009, the City of Burlington approved a Public Art Policy that defines its own commitment to public art in the public realm. This policy also notes the potential for projects driven by external granting bodies, community fundraising and other community-initiated projects. However, the 2009 Public Art Master Plan does not provide an operational framework in which to assess and support these initiatives.

1.3 Definitions

Artist

A person who is critically recognized (i.e. by the artist’s peers, curators, professional arts organizations) as an artist, possesses skill, training and/or experience in their artistic discipline; is active in and committed to their art practice, has a history of public presentation; and who is not exempted by the Conflict of Interest provision included in the Public Art Policy.

Community Members

For the purpose of the Community Initiated Public Art Policy, community members are defined as individuals, ad hoc community groups, not-for-profit or charitable organizations that initiate a public art project.

Community Public Art

Community Public Art projects are artworks created by community members, artists and/or educators in public space. For the purpose of this Policy artwork may include, but is not limited to, sculpture, visual and graphically designed art, sculptured landscaping, fountains, and artistic treatment of exterior publicly accessible areas (public sidewalks, exterior walls or other building elements). The artwork is installed on civic public space and is accessible to the general public in a temporary or permanent capacity.

The project is initiated and managed by community members and supported with funding sources outside of the Public Art Reserve (i.e. via grants, community fundraising, in-kind funding, etc.). The City of Burlington through the Public Art Development Implementation Team (PADIT) provides project approval and oversight.

All artwork created through this process will remain under the ownership of the artist or community group that initiated the project and thus, will not become part of the Public Art Inventory. As such, the community group will be responsible for all long-term costs associated with insurance, maintenance and/or de-installation of the artwork. In a limited number of cases, the City of Burlington may consider the donation of the artwork into the Public Art Inventory, in which case ownership would be transferred to the city.

Public Space - Civic

Municipally owned areas available and frequently used by the public that can include, but are not limited to parks, open space, trail systems, waterways, road allowances, tunnels, boulevards, streets, courtyards, squares, bridges, building exteriors, foyers, and publicly accessible interior areas.

1.4 Exclusions

This policy does not include the following:

• Directional elements such as signage, except where these elements are integral parts of the original artwork or public art project;
• Landscape architecture and landscape gardening except where these elements are an integral part of the original artwork or public art project;
• Architectural or design enhancements such as stamped or coloured concrete, lighting treatments, fencing, etc., except where these elements are integral parts of the original artwork or public art project;
• Easily moveable artworks such as paintings, drawings, models and books;
• Public Art that is commissioned through the City of Burlington’s Public Art Program;
• Artwork or projects to be installed on private property.

Part 2: Implementation

2.1 Eligibility

Community Initiated Public Art Projects must adhere to the following criteria:

• Projects must serve a community located in Burlington, Ontario;
• Artwork(s) must be installed on City-owned public space that is accessible to the general public;
• Project is initiated and managed by community members;
• Project is consistent with the vision outlined in the Public Art Policy;
• Project is not funded through the Public Art Reserve Fund.

2.2 Assessment

Community Initiated Public Art Projects will be assessed every two months using the following process:

• Applicants will submit a project proposal outlining:
  • The goals and scope of the project
  • A preliminary project budget
  • The secured or requested funding source(s)
  • The commitment of required City land or other City resources
  • A plan for the ongoing maintenance of the completed artwork (if permanent) or de-installation plan.
• The City of Burlington staff responsible for the project will present the applicant’s project proposal to PADIT. PADIT typically meets every two months.
• PADIT will assess the proposal and approve or deny the application

2.3 Project Approval and Support

If approved, the applicant will enter into an agreement with the City of Burlington for use of any city owned land or facility. The agreement will be managed by the city staff who is working with the community group and is responsible for the project (project lead), before work begins on the artwork(s). Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, PADIT may be required to provide project advice and support. The level of support will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Part 3: Roles and Responsibilities

Artist and/or Educator

In some cases, the Community Initiated Public Art Project will engage a professional artist and/or educator to lead the project. This may be a paid or volunteer position.

Arts and Culture Section - Planning, Building and Culture

The Arts and Culture Section is responsible for the development and management of all public art projects in Burlington. Arts and Culture staff will be the primary point of contact for community members wishing to propose a Community Public Art Project.

Community Member(s)

Community Members will initiate the Community Public Art project. This will include securing the required funding and preparing a project proposal. The community member(s) will be the primary point of contact between the City and project stakeholders and will provide general project oversight and management in collaboration with city staff responsible for the project (if applicable).

PADIT (Public Art Development and Implementation Team)

PADIT provides expertise from various city departments, including technical review of public art projects. PADIT is the body responsible for final approval of all public art projects. Proposals received or referred to PADIT from community members will be reviewed and approved by PADIT. PADIT will consider: project alignment with Public Art Policy and Master Plan, technical feasibility, financial feasibility, legal considerations, environmental impact, maintenance plan, and safety considerations.

Accountable:

Director of City Building

Responsible:

Manager of Arts and Culture

References:

Public Art Master Plan

Public Art Policy