Banff politicians have given the green light to spend $44,800 for the purchase of a new piece of public art.
At a recent meeting, council approved amending the 2017 budget to pay for the River Ribbon sculptural piece by Calgary artist Alexander Caldwell. The funds come out of the art reserve, which has a current balance of about $123,000.
“I’m really pleased to see new public art installations,” said Councillor Stavros Karlos.
“Public art, in my opinion, is essential to the fabric of the community. Public art drives discussion and wonder and I’m very excited to see new public art.”
In celebration of Canada’s 150th, Caldwell has constructed a site-specific sculpture of polished steel. It will be located along the Bow River Trail, about 90 metres southeast of the pedestrian bridge.
Anne Ewan, chair of the community art committee, said the sculpture’s reflective qualities mirror the flow of the Bow River, the ever-changing climatic features of the mountain environment and the viewer’s own image.
She said she believes the piece will appeal to locals and visitors alike.
“Located along the sweeping multiuse trail on the south side of the Bow River, between the pedestrian bridge and the Bow Falls, the sculpture is accessible on foot, encouraging an unrushed, contemplative approach for observation,” she said.
“Contextual and metaphoric nuances address Banff’s heritage from its early beginnings through today and into the future.”
Meanwhile, council has also approved two other locations for future public art pieces to be installed, including Town Hall Plaza at 110 Bear St. and the corner of Lynx Street and Railway Avenue.
Dave Micheals, the Town of Banff’s development planner, said the context for a public art project is vital to the success of the piece.
“Having locations pre-approved allows for projects to be considered in context to their surroundings from initial conception of the project,” he said.
The municipality’s public art policy states a project can be brought forward after the budgeting process, but only if funds are available in the public art reserve.
The $44,800 covers the cost of the art, installation and ongoing maintenance.
“This is well within the money that we have in the reserve,” said Coun. Chip Olver. “We do an annual contribution to this reserve of $2 per resident, which is approximately $15,000.”
