Title
Approval of Percival Plinth 2018 Sculpture Recommendation
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Arts Commission recommends approval of 16 sculptures and two alternates for the 2018 Percival Plinth Project.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve 16 sculptures and two alternates for the 2018 Percival Plinth Project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the slate of sculptures recommended by the Arts Commission for the Percival Plinth Project exhibition and Peoples’ Choice Award for 2018.
Staff Contact:
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8384
Presenter(s):
Angel Nava, Arts Program Specialist
Timothy Grisham, Vice-Chair, Olympia Arts Commission
Background and Analysis:
The Percival Plinth Project annually hosts 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 2018 Percival Plinth Project and Peoples’ Choice Award includes the following components:
• Artists applied from Washington and Oregon
• 16 sculptures (one more than in 2017) 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 February 6, 2018, 28 sculptures, submitted by 20 artists were reviewed by the project jury; Commissioners Hinton, Hicks and Fairbanks. The Arts Commission reviewed the jury recommendation of 16 sculptures and two alternates on February 8. The Commission agreed to move the recommendation forward to City Council, with Commissioner Grisham abstaining.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
499 ballots were cast for the 2017 Percival Plinth People’s Choice Award. 51% of votes were from Olympia residents and 32% from other parts of Washington State.
Options:
1. Move to approve the recommended 16 sculptures and two alternates for exhibition along Percival Landing for up to one year starting June 2018.
2. Move to direct staff to make changes to the proposed list.
3. Move to not approve the recommendation.
Financial Impact:
$700 honoraria for 16 sculptures $11,200
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) $22,200
Attachments:
2018 Plinth Recommendation