Title
Approval of the 2025 Plinth Project Sculptures for Exhibition
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Council Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended sculptures for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project Exhibition.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve to approve the recommended sculptures for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project Exhibition.
Staff Contact:
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Program Manager, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.709.2678
Presenter(s):
Stephanie Johnson, Arts Commission Staff Liaison
Kathy Dorgan, Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
The Percival Plinth Project began in 2011 and annually hosts loaned sculpture for an exhibition of one year along Percival Landing. During the month of July, the public is invited to vote for the sculpture they recommend the City purchase. Each year the winning sculpture moves to the front of City Hall for an additional year and then into permanent exhibition somewhere in the community. To date, 15 sculptures have been added to the City’s Public Art Collection through this program.
The jury met on Thursday, January 16 to review 26 submitted sculptures. The jury was comprised of Austin Davis, Muralist, Karen Sixkiller, Sculptor and Percival Plinth Award recipient 2024, and Jay Spivak, Olympia Arts Commissioner. Their recommendation is composed of 18 sculptures, the maximum amount budgeted for honoraria.
On Thursday, February 13, the Arts Commission reviewed the jury’s recommendation and moved unanimously to forward the recommendation to City Council for consideration.
Climate Analysis:
While the project does not directly impact climate strategies, having sculptures displayed on Percival Landing encourages use of active forms of travel along the waterfront. Artwork in public spaces promotes a safe, welcoming and 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.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The Percival Plinth Project received 661 votes in 2024 via the City’s Engage page.
Financial Impact:
$42,000 from the Municipal Art Fund includes artist honoraria ($1,000 per sculpture) for loan of their artwork, purchase of the winning sculpture (up to $10,000) by vote, installation support, new pedestal for winning sculpture and community kick-off event.
Options:
1. Move to approve the recommended sculptures for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project Exhibition.
2. Move to approve the recommended sculptures for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project Exhibition with modification.
3. Do not approve any sculptures recommended for the 2025 Percival Plinth Project.
Attachments:
2025 Plinth Recommendation
Percival Plinth Project Website