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City chooses Calgary Arts Development as public art program operator as funding restored – Global News

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The city announced Monday that it has chosen Calgary Arts Development as the operator of its public art program and its funding — which was frozen — would be restored.

‘Reduce barriers’

The plan is to transition the program to an external organization to streamline endeavours and reduce red tape, according to the city.

Read more:
Becoming an ‘arts generator’: Calgary’s new public arts program to receive 3-year term

“Currently, public art projects, regardless of scope and size, go through the city’s complex procurement process, which is primarily set up to work with large companies on an international level,” the city said in a news release. “This creates barriers for both local and emerging artists.”

“Having a third-party operator for Calgary’s public art program will reduce barriers for Calgary’s local artist community to participate in the program, increase transparency for citizens and increase investment in the local creative economy,” said Jennifer Thompson, arts and culture manager at the City of Calgary.

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Read more:
City asks for input from Calgarians’ on future of public art program

On Sept. 30, 2019, council directed administration to hire a third-party consultant to review the public art program.

On Nov. 25, 2019, consultant ART + PUBLIC UnLtd shared its findings with council.

On April 6, 2020, council approved that administration should “proceed with next steps to move the public art program to an external organization.”

Read more:
Calgary public art program to transition to independent organization

After hearing from about 3,000 people, a seven-person panel chose Calgary Arts Development to gradually take over the program by 2024. It was chosen for its “proven in-depth knowledge and understanding in delivering art to Calgarians,” the city said.


A sculpture called “Frozen River” in Calgary.


File/Global News

‘A creative, connected Calgary’

Patti Pon, president and CEO of Calgary Arts Development, is thrilled the organization was selected.

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“Calgary Arts Development has been in existence since 2005 with a mandate to support and strengthen the arts to benefit all Calgarians,” Pon said.

“The public art program aligns perfectly with what we stand for: our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility; our direct relationship with Calgary’s arts sector; and our vision for a creative, connected Calgary through the arts.”

Read more:
Mayor Naheed Nenshi, Treaty 7 chiefs address ‘misconceptions’ about Calgary’s Bowfort Towers

On Monday, council lifted the suspension on public art funding, which has been in place since 2017, to allow for the transition.


Traffic passes the sculpture called “Bowfort Towers,” by New York artist Del Geist, located near Canada Olympic Park in Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017.


THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Mayor Naheed Nenshi said the city looked at different operation models during the “very big process.”

“Calgary Arts Development already acts as the city’s granting arm for visual and performing arts, but not for public art, and they’re very good at branding,” he said Monday.

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“They know how to do that probably better than the city does, so I’m actually quite pleased that they’ve ended up with it because it still shows that there’s public support for this program — it’s not Wal-Mart doing our public art — but at the same time, puts it into an organization that’s very good at the idea of evaluating and granting.”

© 2021 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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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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