The newly formed public art committee has only been around for a couple of months, but it appears to be hard at work determining the direction of the community’s art policy.
During the recent city council meeting, council unanimously approved a motion from the committee to renew the mural licence agreement with Saskatchewan Telecommunications (SaskTel) for 10 more years; the current agreement expires Monday, Sept. 19. Council also authorized the mayor and city clerk to sign the agreement on behalf of the municipality.
Coun. Heather Eby, council’s rep on the committee, explained that the first group meeting in mid-May was well attended, with five members and two employees from city administration present. She noted that the committee held its second meeting in early June and discussed several new and exciting initiatives.
“I really think we made a good decision to combine the murals (committee) with this committee and I look forward to everyone finding out about the new initiatives next (council) meeting,” Eby added.
The minutes from the public art committee’s May meeting show that one of the main issues members discussed was the “Stormin’ Main Street” mural at 44 Fairford Street West on the east side of the former Moose Jaw Times-Herald building.
Michael Kotschorek with Gold Key Investments Inc. spoke to the committee and explained that his company had moved into the former newspaper building from 100 Fairford Street West. The company’s goal was to install eight windows and a door on the east side of the building where the mural is.
Kotschorek noted that the company is open to working with the committee about the placement of the windows and door.
“Administration noted that the licence agreement dated June 12, 1991, between the city and the past owner (Canadian Newspapers Company Ltd.) of the 44 Fairford St. W building expired in 2001 and was not renewed,” the minutes said.
The committee discussed the possibility of a smaller mural or set of smaller murals that could be installed above the proposed windows, the report continued. Meanwhile, Kotschorek said his company would help cover costs with the building’s exterior finish and provide the committee with further plans when available.
Members then approved a motion to table the discussion about relocating the “Stormin’ Main Street” mural to the June meeting.
The minutes from that June meeting will be presented during the June 27 regular council meeting.
A review of the June meeting agenda shows the committee was to discuss a new mural near the Wakamow Valley underpass, installation of a bison sculpture, a new mural in Crescent Park, the location of the Chinese mural, a murals tour through Tourism Moose Jaw, and the mural maintenance plan for this year.
Committee appointments
During a recent executive committee meeting, council approved Mary Rafferty to the public art committee for a term that commenced immediately and ends Dec. 31.
Council also approved the appointment of Lt.-Col. Mario Charron and Elisa Johnson (as an alternate) to the public works, infrastructure and environment advisory committee for a term that commences immediately and ends on Dec. 31, 2023. They represent 15 Wing Air Base.
The next regular council meeting is Monday, June 27.
