Art
Comment: Victoria, please don't destroy this work of art – Times Colonist
A commentary on behalf of the Friends of Centennial Square.
The City of Victoria has long had a public arts policy. This policy, created in 1993, was updated as recently as May 2018.
This document states: “The City of Victoria promotes the creation and inclusion of artworks in its public buildings and spaces through the Art in Public Places Policy” and “Art in public places is a vital ingredient in the cultural fabric and streetscape of a creative city.”
The city participates with the Capital Regional District in maintaining a list of significant public art. There is an inspiring list of about 65 public art works in Victoria. Of these, 17 are in or around Centennial Square.
The list of public art works has, as its oldest piece of public art, The Ceramic Fins of Centennial Square Fountain.
Created in 1964 by Jack Wilkinson, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, the Ceramic Fins of Centennial Square Fountain were commissioned by the surrounding municipalities of Saanich, Oak Bay, and Esquimalt in commemoration of the centennial of the founding of the city of Victoria in 1862.
This was a gift to the city of Victoria.
For 59 years the Ceramic Fins, the Fountain and the surrounding tiara have stood as the focal point of Centennial Square. For 59 years we have had music, dancing, folk fests, culture days, Pan Am Games and Olympic celebrations.
There have been ceremonial visits by the Governor General and Queen. On any day you can go to Centennial Square and have a game of ping-pong or chess.
Now, as the main element of a “Centennial Square Revitalization,” the city is calling for “replacing the existing pool, monoliths and concrete tiara with an interactive water feature.”
Demolish a work of art?
What does this say about the City of Victoria?
What does this say about the importance of art in public places?
The replacement of the Centennial Fountain needs a political revisit.
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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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