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Cambridge considers public art commission worth $250K

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The City of Cambridge is turning 50 this year and is considering buying itself a nice anniversary present; a $250,000 public art installation.

The city has taken a look at its inventory of public art and has found it is lacking compared to other municipalities. Staff is now accepting submissions for the art installation that can celebrate the legacy of Cambridge and its 50th anniversary.

“The public art reserve fund has sufficient budget to commission a piece of art,” reads a report headed to next week’s budget and audit committee meeting. “This will provide a legacy piece to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the amalgamation of the City of Cambridge.”

Public art is defined by the city as “art that makes a significant positive contribution to the urban landscape, quality of life and is accessible.” The piece can include sculptures, carvings, metal works, special architectural, digital technologies or landscape features.

Some examples of public art in the city are Indigena Domain, a large granite sculpture installed in front of city hall and the Cambridge Sculpture Garden on Grand Avenue South, which is managed by volunteers and funded by individual and private sector donations and government grants, including the city.

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Indigena Domain resides at City Hall and was built in 2008 as a public art piece to represent the city of Cambridge. Joe McGinty/CambridgeToday

“Proposals are invited for a work, works or program of work that celebrates the one or more of the creative spirit, tradition of invention and industry, natural beauty and cultural heritage of the City of Cambridge,” reads the report to council.

There is one main element that must be included in any submitted work– the rivers that connect the three main downtown cores. This will be a legacy piece that will live on forever in the city.

The city receives an annual contribution of $25,000 provided from the Capital Works Reserve Fund to the Public Art Reserve Fund, bringing the current balance to $305,866.

The city looks at this balance as a sufficient budget to cover the request for the $250,000 anniversary project.

The competition is open to anyone in Canada and will happen in two stages. First, artists will be called to submit their interest and a general outline of their proposal, including a suggested site. Any site that is being suggested must be on city owned property.

Second, up to five proposals will be short listed and these artists will receive an honorarium towards producing their proposals of $2,000. The city will then gather all the short-listed artists in Cambridge to present their idea to the arts committee and the winner will be presented to city council.

The winning artist will be notified of the anticipated installation and public unveiling ceremony and celebration when the date is established.

More information and requirements can be found on the city’s website.

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone  BBC.com



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Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

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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.

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Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone

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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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