Title
Approval of Percival Plinth 2016 Sculpture Recommendations
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Olympia Arts Commission recommends approval of 15 sculptures and two alternates for exhibition along Percival Landing for up to one year starting June 2016.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended 15 sculptures and two alternates for exhibition along Percival Landing for up to one year starting June 2016.
Report
Issue:
Whether to review and approve the Arts Commission recommendation of 15 sculptures for the Percival Plinth Project exhibition, and Peoples’ Choice Award for 2016-2017.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts & Events Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation,
360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts & Events Program Manager, Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation
Diana Fairbanks, Chair, Art in Public Places Committee, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
This recommendation marks the fifth installation of the Percival Plinth Project, which
involves placing loaned sculptures on stands (“plinths”) along Percival Landing, for temporary exhibition of up to one year. Based on a one-month opportunity for public vote among the exhibited sculptures, the City will purchase the sculpture receiving the most votes - the “Peoples’ Choice Award.” Following the exhibition, the purchased sculpture will be moved to City Hall for one year before permanent exhibition in another location.
The Call for Sculpture for the 2016-2017 Percival Plinth Project and Peoples’ Prize includes the following components:
• Artists applied statewide.
• 15 sculptures and two alternates were recommended by the jury for loan, and reviewed and recommended by the Arts Commission.
• Selected artists will be awarded a $700 honoraria for loan of each sculpture.
• One sculpture will be selected by the public for purchase.
• Voting must take place in person.
• Artwork purchase not to exceed $10,000.
On March 29, 2016, 24 sculptures, submitted by 15 artists were reviewed by the project jury. The Arts Commission reviewed the jury recommendation of 15 sculptures and two alternates on April 14. The Commission unanimously agreed to move the recommendation forward to City Council.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
In 2015, 426 votes were received for the Peoples’ Choice Award. Of those, 278 were from Olympia proper, and 58 were from Lacey, Tumwater and Thurston County.
Options:
1. Move to approve the recommended 15 sculptures and two alternates for exhibition along Percival Landing for up to one year starting June 2016.
2. Move to direct staff to make changes to the proposed list.
3. Move to not approve the recommendation.
Financial Impact:
$700 honoraria for 15 sculptures $10,500
Up to $10,000 purchase of Peoples’ Prize Sculpture $10,000
Up to $1,000 for installation of Peoples’ Prize following exhibition $1,000
Total (up to) $21,500
Attachments:
2016 Plinth Recommendation