Art
Winnipeg Arts Council surprised by end of public art program after 20 years – CBC.ca
The Winnipeg Arts Council says it’s surprised the city plans to provide it with no money this year for public art, in a move that effectively cancels a 20-year program that left a legacy of large installations across the Manitoba capital.
The City of Winnipeg’s draft budget for 2024 shows the Winnipeg Arts Council will not receive a penny for public art for the first time since the program was created in 2004, the final year of the Glen Murray mayoral administration.
Throughout Sam Katz’s tenure in the mayor’s office (2004-14) and Brian Bowman’s first term as mayor (2014-18), the city provided the arts council $500,000 a year for public art.
That grant was reduced to $250,000 in 2019 and then $125,000 in 2022.
The reduction of the grant to zero dollars in this year’s draft budget, which was released last week, came as a “complete surprise,” said Carol Phillips, the Winnipeg Arts Council’s executive director.
The end of the grant was not communicated to her prior to the release of the budget on Wednesday, she said.
Colin Fast, a spokesperson for Mayor Scott Gillingham, said some funding remains for public art elsewhere within the capital budget, embedded in other line items.
“The specific grant was removed as part of an overall review of grants to streamline them to reflect the Strategic Priorities Action Plan,” said Fast, referring to an effort to canvass the spending priorities of city councillors.
More funding for public art could be directed to downtown Winnipeg next year, Fast added.
Phillips said the decision is disappointing, as the arts council will have no role in commissioning public art after developing expertise in the area for two decades.
“The Winnipeg Arts Council is supposed to be a cultural adviser, according to the mandate we’ve been given by the city,” she said.
The city’s standing policy committees will hold public hearings on the budget in a series of meetings beginning March 1. Phillips said she plans to appear before council to request the restoration of the public art budget.
The city still funds the Winnipeg Arts Council’s other operations. The city plans to provide the arts council with $4.6 million worth of funding this year, an increase of 1.6 per cent over 2023.
That restores the arts council’s annual funding to 2019 levels — a Gillingham promise during the 2022 civic election campaign.
This year’s budget also includes a new $500,000 capital grant to downtown arts institutions.
Fast said the money was requested by “major arts institutions” in downtown Winnipeg “to leverage additional funding sources for major capital projects.”
City council meets to consider the draft budget on March 20.
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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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