AGENDA # 5f
MEMORANDUM
|
TO: |
Mayor and Town Council |
|
FROM: |
Frank Webb, Chair, Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission |
|
SUBJECT: |
Update on Artwork for Library Expansion Project |
|
DATE: |
June 9, 2008 |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide an update on public art to be created by Janet Echelman for the upcoming Chapel Hill Public Library expansion as part of the Town’s Percent for Art Program.
BACKGROUND
On March 4, 2002, the Town Council established the Percent for Art Program, which provides for spending 1 percent of the budget of selected capital projects on public art. The resolution includes an outline of the process for selecting artists and art.
On June 12, 2006, the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission issued a request for qualifications for an artist to create a public work of art for the Chapel Hill Public Library’s expansion as part of the project’s Percent for Art process and in accordance with adopted Council procedures.
On December 19, 2006, Janet Echelman was awarded the project commission by an Artist Selection Committee comprising two representatives from the Chapel Hill Town Council, two representatives from the Library Board of Trustees, a representative from the Parks and Recreation Commission, a representative from the Manager’s Office, a representative from the Library staff; and two representatives from the Chapel Hill Public Arts Commission.
On January 22, 2007, the Council authorized the Town Manager to enter into a contract with Janet Echelman to create public art as part of the Chapel Hill Public Library’s expansion, and specified that the Percent for Art project would be for 1 percent of the total project budget (Attachment 1). Funds for this project would come from bond funds allocated for the Chapel Hill Library expansion.
On April 11, 2008, Janet Echelman, Town staff, and representatives of the project design team and Public Arts Commission met and determined that the best plan for a successful public artwork at the Library was the creation of an interior piece.
DISCUSSION
The artist and project design team are now working to identify the location and form of the artwork. Upon finalization of an agreement, the artist will submit a design for review by the Chapel Hill Library Public Art Review Committee (Attachment 2). Upon approval of this design the artist will create the artwork this summer with periodic reviews by the Public Art Review Committee. Once completed, the artwork will be shipped to Chapel Hill and stored by the Town until the Library expansion is complete and the work may be installed.
RECOMMENDATION
No Council action is requested.
ATTACHMENTS