Art
Graffiti policy could include space for public art – Woodstock Sentinel Review
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Public art installations to deter vandalism could be part of a new City of Sarnia graffiti policy.
But the prospect has some on council wary.
“I think allowing people to craft their own art on infrastructure is a slippery slope,” said Coun. Bill Dennis at a recent council meeting.
“Everyone’s definition of art is different and we do not want to end up being the art police.”
His comments prompted a rebuttal from Coun. Nathan Colquhoun, who said public art on city infrastructure can help revitalize and beautify communities.
“I would love to be known as an art community that actually integrates the arts,” he said.
Council voted 6-3 – councillors George Vandenberg and Terry Burrell were also opposed – to let staff look more into options for public art opportunities and report back by the end of June.
“Graffiti artists don’t typically hit stuff that there’s already a canvas on there,” said Sarnia community services general manager Stacey Forfar about the basis for the idea.
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“It’s a nice way to offset that and public works has a few places they’ve identified that get hit quite a bit – so why not just open up the space instead to public art?”
Barrie, for example, wraps traffic control boxes at intersections with canvas-like prints of local artists’ work, Forfar said.
“It’s a way to animate the space, get some consensus, you can celebrate local artists, that kind of thing,” she said, noting the wrap approach means the art piece isn’t original and is easier to replace if it fades over time.
Murals on blank walls – something that’s historically been done in Sarnia’s downtown and Mitton Village – are another option, she said.
A committee of artists and others in the community will consider options over the next few months and present those to council for consideration, she said.
Public art opportunities are one aspect of the draft plan that includes setting a target cleanup response – two days for profane graffiti, five days otherwise – and approving $30,000 to buy various solvents, a trailer, generator and hoses to tackle vandalism in the city.
The full policy, except the public art installation piece, is expected to come back to council March 22 for approval.
The policy also notes new city builds should use pre-treated materials to make surfaces graffiti resistant, and calls for the city to work out agreements with service providers with infrastructure – hydro poles, hydro boxes, etc. – on city property.
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That could mean the city doing the cleanup work and invoicing service providers the cost, Forfar said.
“We’re the ones that get the calls anyway,” she said.
On average Sarnia sees about 32 cases of graffiti each year, her report to council says.
Developing the policy dates back to July 2019, when Dennis expressed concerns about the amount of graffiti downtown, city officials said.
“There hasn’t been a particular uptick or a particular instance,” Forfar said. “I think there’s just been a reflection that graffiti can generally send a negative image to visitors and local residents.”
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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