Title
Approval of the 2023 Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice Award
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approval of the purchase of A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers as determined by public vote.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the Arts Commission recommendation to purchase A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers as determined by public vote.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the purchase of A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers as determined by public vote.
Staff Contact:
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Parks, Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8384
Presenter(s):
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Parks, Arts and Recreation
Background and Analysis:
Annually, the first month of the Percival Plinth Project loaned sculpture exhibition is dedicated to a public vote to determine the winner of the Peoples’ Choice Award, which is a purchase prize. The vote took place the month of July, through the City platform Engage Olympia.
On August 10, 2023 Mrs. Nava shared the results of the 2023 Percival Plinth Project Peoples’ Choice vote with the Arts Commission, who voted unanimously to forward the recommendation to City Council for approval.
212 votes were received over the course of the month. With 65 votes, A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers took first place in the public vote.
Of the sculpture A Song for Nurturing Peace, the artist notes:
Above all else our world civilization must create the capacity to live in harmony, not as owners of our planet, or of each other, but as wise caretakers of all living things in nature's delicate balance. These words are my inspiration for creating a clay sculpture I call: A Song for Nurturing Peace.
Comments submitted by the public with their vote for A Song for Nurturing Peace include:
“It brings joy.”
“This piece is gorgeous! The details are very well done and the message really resonates with me.”
“It’s just beautiful!!! It depicts gentleness, nurturing, love…. Everything I consider humans could never have too much of!!”
“The level of detail on both the woman and white dove are just remarkable. It tells a story.”
“Very creative and well-crafted bronze with excellent message imbedded.”
“It’s simply beautiful and full of feeling.”
“It is an extraordinary work describing the vision of peace in a creative wholehearted way.”
Climate Analysis:
While the project does not directly impact climate strategies, having sculptures displayed on Percival Landing encourages use of active forms of travel such as walking along the waterfront. Artwork in public spaces promotes safe and welcoming public spaces and a walkable city.
Equity Analysis:
Multiple strategies of the project are intended to shift traditional power dynamics of how art is accessed and selected at its core an outdoor public art exhibit is designed to be accessible to the whole community year-round. The People’s Choice Award is designed to share decision-making power by including a community vote as a key determining factor of the final purchase award.
From the Engage Olympia platform, we know that voters participating in the Percival Plinth Project People’s Choice Award:
• Mostly live in Olympia 63%
• Are Hispanic 4%, Asian Pacific Islander 5%, and White 82%
• Mostly own their own home 73%
• Are female 69%, male 23%, and non-binary 1%
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public input is solicited through banners, press releases and an online vote.
Financial Impact:
$10,000 from the Municipal Art Fund.
Options:
1. Approve purchase of A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers as winner of the 2022 Percival Plinth People’s Choice vote.
2. Do not approve purchase of A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers, and direct the Arts Commission to revisit the recommendation.
3. Make another decision.
Attachments:
A Song for Nurturing Peace by Nancy Thorne Chambers