Showing posts with label OurBurlington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OurBurlington. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

HELP WANTED: Public Art in Burlington seeks Burlington Imagination. Apply Elsewhere.



Actor & Comedian Jim Carrey grew up in Aldershot, a community within the City of Burlington.
 
According to the City of Burlington’s Public Art Master Plan 2009-2018 (aka PAMP), the most important thing about public art is its purpose. “Public art is a force for place making – for expressing and evoking connections among people and places that are meaningful to the community and civic life.” It goes on, “Public Art has been recognized as a significant tool for building livable cities, for urban beautification, and for economic development. A successful Public Art Program makes public space more attractive, interesting, and comfortable, resulting in benefits for both residents and visitors.  Beyond these tangible results, the process of creating public art within a framework, that includes community input, can lead to far-reaching social benefits. This is not simply about creating something for the community; instead, it is about creating community”. (Italics theirs.)

It concludes, “By reflecting a community’s values, and its past, present, and future, public art can embody and symbolize a community’s sense of identity.” (Italics mine.)

According to the public survey done for this Master Plan, Burlingtonians overwhelmingly identify with the thematic subject of “local history”, followed closely by “the natural environment”.  Take note of that – ‘local history’ and the ‘natural environment’.  We will be coming back to those two heartfelt perfectly natural themes of identity in a moment.

So, just so you know, the above was, and remains on the City of Burlington website as, the stated purpose of the City of Burlington’s ‘Public Art’ initiative.

However, most interesting about Burlington’s Public Art Master Plan was City Council’s abdication of the responsibility for actually running the Public Art program. Instead, Council voted, in 2009, to let an ‘external body’ handle it. And there, to my mind, lies a bit of a problem. An ‘external body’ active in Burlington, is one thing, but an ‘external body’ outside of the City limits is quite another.

In 2009, the City’s Public Art Reserve Fund had $186, 578 on account, with another $190,000 ‘pending’. Today, that annual fund, topped up by various agencies of the Government of Ontario, has allocated approximately $250,000 to that ‘external body’ in the form of one Jeremy Freiburger, Chief Cultural Strategist of Cobalt Connects, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Mr. Freiburger was hired by the City of Burlington to implement not only Burlington’s Public Art program but, latterly, a Cultural Action/Policy Plan too. Jeremy certainly is an engaging and charming fellow who is struggling somewhat to ‘make it happen’ here, BUT, why didn’t City just align with the long-established ‘Creative Burlington’ group? You know, the group that had to close shop in 2011 because there was insufficient City funding for them to continue to operate. With no track record in this community, Jeremy Freiburger’s Cobalt Connects, has, within just three very short years, received over TEN times the funding that the grassroots ‘Creative Burlington’ group was begging for from Council to stay afloat.

…. hmmmm ….  

How can a Public Art program in Burlington, one that is both meaningful and significant for developing a ‘rooted’ Burlington identity, be developed by, and decided by, an ‘external body’ from outside the City limits?  In other words, WHY does the City of Burlington have to go to a self-professed “entrepreneurial” Hamilton-based arts-bureaucrat to FIND the Roots of our own cultural identity?

Something is missing in this cultural equation. That missing component is, in fact, us, the actual living breathing communities that comprise the City of Burlington - from established Aldershot to the newcomers of Alton, from rural Lowville to the developed Lakefront, from tony Tyandaga to solid Mountainside, from sprawling historic farmlands of the north to the apartment blocks and heritage roosts of the downtown core. Within this Public Art ‘dialogue’ we, as Burlingtonians, are sadly missing the one element that makes Burlington so culturally unique, our very own voices.

 Fishy fish find a home in Burlington Public Art bike racks.

One recent Burlington Public Art initiative, of 2010, administered by Jeremy, was the development of these bike racks. Yes, that is what they are. (Promise, you won’t get arrested or ticketed for locking up to one.) Over 180 designs were submitted by 76 ‘international’ artists,  until 10 designs, chosen by Jeremy and his appointed ‘independent’ jury, were placed on a shortlist. After a public vote, six finalists were paid $1500 each for those designs  - Martyna Dakowicz, Jen Hsieh, Zhiyang Mao, Kyle Reed, Wesley Tsang, and Xiaojing Yan. Not one is an active Burlington-based artist, or has ‘roots’ here. Perhaps that is why these bike racks have FAILED on two accounts: 1) as bike racks - [have you ever seen ANY bike locked up to these objects over the past year?] and 2) as ‘local’ Public Art. Admit it Jeremy, few here have any idea what these cut-out metal thingys bolted to several downtown sidewalks are all about …  

The Palladium Park Public Art Benches Competition of 2011 was no different. A talented artist from Kitchener-Waterloo received the commission, not one of Burlington’s own.

Sure, call me parochial, but how, exactly, can the heralding of Burlington’s cultural spirit, local history and natural landscape begin with ‘outsiders’? It’s like having a paid professional singer sing our favourite childhood lullaby from a hastily composed score, rather then singing in chorus, with one heart and soul, by rote, what we all know and love so dearly. (A tad hyperbolic, but methinks you catch my drift.)

Surely the point of this exercise, in all its forms, is to celebrate our own, to support and promote the struggling ‘grassroots’ art community here, and by so doing develop and reflect a truly Burlington-based arts culture. No?  On the other hand, perhaps the REAL Public Arts objective, as the ambitious Jeremy Freiburger and his select ‘external body’ of jurors interpret it, is not at all about the nurturing of, or the reflecting of, Burlington’s ‘sense of identity’, past or present. Rather, perhaps their end objective is simply to create a generic ‘urban beautification’ of Burlington for well-heeled out-of-towners (and investors) using titillating ideas by “recognized” artists who have no cultural or spiritual connection to this place. Or, perhaps, the purpose is to create a roster of “recognized” artists who, hopefully, (no guarantee), will someday garner an international reputation that will substantially inflate their monetary worth, and thus, increase the investment holdings of the City of Burlington Corporation’s Public Art Inventory. Perhaps. Who knows. One thing is clear, the PURPOSE of Burlington’s Public Art program is slowly, and somewhat stealthily, tip-toeing away from the standing Public Art Master Plan.

Anyway, for sake of argument, let’s assume for a bit that the REAL objective, (not the one so meticulously outlined in the PAMP), is to develop a no-name ‘pretty suburban city’ dotted with public art works by artists-from-elsewhere whose careers will continue to develop far away from the City of Burlington. With this revised concept in mind, we can better understand Mr. Freiburger’s jury’s choice of three finalists for the Burlington Performing Arts Centre Public Art Competition.   

The three finalists with concepts are (clockwise, from upper left): Cooke-Sasseville from Quebec City. Concept: ‘Stay Connected’, 15ft x 7ft, an abstract ‘technical console with cables’. Peter Powling from “the hills of New Brunswick”. Concept: ‘Spiral Stella’, 16 ft high x 30 inches wide, sky reflecting bronze obelisk. and Aaron Stephan from Portland, Massachusetts, U.S.A. Concept: ‘In the Round’, circular 28 foot disc covered with 15,000 pixel-people on globe.

Not one of these evidently talented artists is from Burlington, or even the Golden Horseshoe region of Southern Ontario, Canada.  

Obviously each artist has devoted a great deal of thought to develop a ‘Public Art’ concept that ‘reflects’ Burlington’s identity back to itself (sort of) and each idea stands as an indisputable ‘Burlington Public Art’ monument that will eventually engender local community pride and a long term legacy of some kind.  Still, it seems a great pity to me that not one of these fine artists is from here. I mean, there isn’t even a finalist design concept from the very talented, locally-minded and “recognized” Les Drysdale, who, though admittedly not a Burlington native, is, at least, from the Golden Horseshoe region. 

How appropriate it would have been to have one of Les’s evocative story-telling ‘local history’ statues grace the square at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre of, love him or loathe him, the indisputably talented Jim Carrey. Imagine a multi-dimensional fully animated vignette by Les - of Jim – as ‘The Mask’, the ‘Grinch’, and the ‘Joker’ characters all rolled into one piece. It would celebrate local talent on multiple levels, successfully promote the Centre as a ‘living’ arts showcase, inspire local and visiting performers, and nudge all of us, as a community as a whole, to identify with the ‘Dream Big’ ‘Just Do It’ persona of Jim. It would also, I believe, be an engaging and memorable tourist attraction ... And it could all be done for the $90,000 commission prize fee. Ah well, simply put, this kind of ‘from here’ idea has not been “recognized” by the jury. 

And more’s the pity, I say.

Let’s re-consider all this, for a moment, from a slightly different perspective.

ZimSculpt is currently showing at the Royal Botanical Gardens (until October 8th). Two talented and soulful sculptors from the Shona tribe, Passmore Mupindiko and Patrick Sephani, are carving up million year old rocks especially imported for this exhibit from their home country, Zimbabwe, Africa.  Now imagine that. They have imported huge hunks of stones from their own mountains to carve here. Voluptuous stone sculptures crafted by their own tribemen’s hands abound throughout the Hendrie Gardens. These bold sculptures really are powerful art objects: thematically, technically and culturally. Cumulatively, these Shona-made sculptures reflect a profound ‘sense of identity’, from a wholly unique place on the planet, Zimbabwe.


 Sculpture by Shona artists reflect their homeland culture & sense of identity.
Now, flip it. Imagine a roster of Burlington-based sculptors (or artists), who are supported and “recognized” by our very own City Council (or equivalent ‘external body’ made up of Burlington art enthusiasts). Imagine them going to Zimbabwe (or France, or anywhere else) to showcase their powerful works in a high-profile public art space. Imagine them as they chip away at their own imported ‘mountain’ rock – the Niagara Escarpment. All who see - and buy from them - would know these talented artists reflect an equally profound ‘sense of place’. Why? Because these respected artists reflect another far off Earth location, one with a wholly unique natural and local identity. And yes, these soulful and talented artists ARE from that wonderful place of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. 

…. Get the picture?  

 If we don’t believe in our own, nobody else ever will either. 

Raw Rock from our very own 'mountain': the Niagara Escarpment
Culturally-diverse earth roots are not only important, but essential.  Without them, we just become rootless, isolated and detached global misfits, flipping the dials, pushing the buttons, endlessly searching ... searching … searching … for the one place we so studiously ignore at our own communal peril – Home. 

Ask Patrick, ask Passmore, those soulful Shona sculptors representing their far off village communities of Zimbabwe. Now, ask the diverse voiceless village communities who live harmoniously within the City boundaries of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Ask the artists who live, work and play here. Heck, go ask Jim Carrey. They, and we, all know: not only does ‘Charity begin at Home’, but home really is where our Heart - and Art - is. 


.... 




Monday, August 20, 2012

A new 'bi-weekly' MLH column & other freelance writing gigs

NB: My short story, The FROZEN GOOSE, has been made into a short film, watch it online here.  --- Plus, a new sesquicentennial project of spoken word & music, CANADADA: TAKE TWO, was released in the spring of 2017. Give a listen here. 
 
For other MLH published works see my Author's Page on Amazon. 
 ---
Published Stories by MLH
2012 
UPDATE: All former links to MLH stories on 'OurBurlington'
have been redirected to the re-named 'BURLINGTON GAZETTE'  front page.
To locate my following stories at that location, search via
'By Margaret Lindsay Holton' by-line. 

1. What's the Buzz? Tell me Whatsa happenin'
Title rewritten by blog editor.
Published in OurBurlington.org, March 8th, 2012

2. 'Lessons from Pre-Contact Culture: Cootes Paradise Revisited'
Published in Raise the Hammer, June 18th, 2012

3. 'A Customer Service Connundrum'
Published OurBurlington  August 3rd, 2012

4. 'Men Really are Wonderful, even when Proud, Stubborn & a little bit Pig-Headed'
Published OurBurlington. August, 2012

5. 'Burlington's Forgotten Pier' – Title changed by blog editor
Published OurBurlington:: September 4th

6. 'Help Wanted: Public Art Seeks Burlington  Imagination: Apply Elsewhere.'
Title changed by editor …
Published in OurBurlngton

7. 'In the Age of the Internet, is the Burlington Public Library a Luxury we can No Longer Afford?' – 
Title changed by editor …
Published: September 27th 

8. 'Riding Horses: Chomping at the Bit'  - No title change.
Published: Oct 12th , 2012 - OurBurlington

9. 'Pythons' Pit is Fishing for Your Good Ideas: Rewards Offered
Title changed by editor …  
Published: Oct 26th, 2012, Our Burlington

10. ‘Not all Soup Bowls are Created Equal’
Title changed by editor …
Published, November 13th, 2012 – OurBurlington

11. ‘Meetups Popping Up All around Burlington. Should City Hall host a‘Meetup?’
Title changed by editor – marginally. Editor failed to add supplied captions to images. sigh. 
… Published, Nov22nd, 2012 - Our Burlington

12. ‘The RBG hosts the “Mechanical Botanical” Exuberance of Paul Busse. All aboard!’
Editor goofed on placement of photos ... 
Published, Dec 5th  - OurBurlington.org 

13. It certainly is a ‘Merry Christmas!’ on the world wide web … 
Published OurBurlington.org. Dec. 20th, 2012

14. A quick dip in Lake Ontario at this time of year? Are you NUTS??? But, hey, Congrats!!    
Published OurBurlington.org, Dec 29th, 2012

2013

15.  'Burlington: Talking Turkey. Lots of Turkey. Really. I’m talking turkeys here … '
Title changed marginally ...
Published OurBurlington, Jan 14th

16. Don't miss the Winter Market @ TERRA Greenhouse in North Burlington
Published OurBurlington, Jan 29th

17. Local artist, Steve Pilcher, in line to win an Academy Award 
with fellow Pixar/Disney artists & animators 
Published, then deleted from OurBurlington, within a week.
(Editor wouldn't make necessary editorial changes as requested by Pixar)  Read it here: 
http://canadadaphotography.blogspot.ca/2013/02/local-artist-steve-pilcher-in-line-to.html  

18. Harold Sikkema - Trickster? or Master in the Making?
Published on CanadadaPhotography, February 2013
-http://canadadaphotography.blogspot.ca/2013/02/harold-sikkema-trickster-or-master-in.html 

19. 'Stephani Vegh: Beating a Dead Horse? Or, Emerging from an Academic Chrysalis?'
Published on CanadadaPHOTOGRAPHY, March 18th, 2013. 
http://canadadaphotography.blogspot.ca/2013/03/stephanie-vegh-beating-dead-horse-or.html

20. 'The Artful Craft of Public Speaking ... '
Published in Raise the Hammer,April 1st
 http://raisethehammer.org/article/1814/the_artful_craft_of_public_speaking
and BurlingtonBeat.ca -March 29th, 2013

21. 'Hamilton Beach Community Cleans Up Its Patch of Our Planet'
Published in Raise the Hammer, April 29th, 2013
 http://raisethehammer.org/article/1838  

22. 'Baranga's on the Beach: this ain't no beach side 'hut' ...
Published in Raise the Hammer, May 16th, 2013
 http://raisethehammer.org/article/1855/  

23. Tall Ships coming into Hamilton Harbour - Black & White Photography
Published in Raise the Hammer, June 28th, 2013
 http://raisethehammer.org/blog/2735
and, in part, in the Burlington Gazette (formerly OurBurlington) 

24. Hamilton's Historical Beacon: A Lighthouse Well Worth Saving
Published in Raise the Hammer, August 26th, 2013
http://raisethehammer.org/article/1938
The Lighthouse Digest of Maine, USA is also running a 
condensed version of this story in their November, print issue. 

25. A Picnic on the High Level Bridge? Do We Dare? 
Published in Raise the Hammer, November 2nd, 2013
http://raisethehammer.org/article/1997

26. Forget Santa. Slam Poetry is Coming to Town!
Published in Raise the Hammer, December 18th, 2013
http://raisethehammer.org/article/2034

2014 

27.   Believe it or not, a well-crafted knot could save your life. 
Published in Raise the Hammer, (with video) February 7th, 2014 

28. Interview with Canadian Illustrator Tara Krebs: A Provocative Batterfly
Published in Raise the Hammer, March 28th, 2014

29. Location, Location, Location: Valley City in Dundas is Back. 
Published in Raise the Hammer, May 1st, 2014 
http://raisethehammer.org/article/2167

and in  The Hamilton Spectator - May 26th, 2014
and in Cambridge Times and Niagara This Week 

30. 'Lets Go Fly a Kite!
Published in Raise the Hammer, June 3rd, 2014 
http://raisethehammer.org/article/2203

31. Harold Dickert's Man Cave: Table Saw, Hand Tools & His Custom Made Guitars
(with VIDEO embed)
Published in Raise the Hammer, (with 14 min video )June 30th, 2014

and in The Hamilton Spectator, July 8/9th, 2014
as well as Cambridge Times, Niagara This Week and InsideHalton

32. A Whale of a Tale: The Scrimshaw Artistry of Dennis Sinclair (with VIDEO embed)
Published in Raise the Hammer, (with 9 min VIDEO), Oct 6th, 2014

33. A few thoughts on the recent municipal election ... 
With Less then 35% Voter Turnout - Did We Get What We Deserved?
Title changed by editor to 'Energy, Art & Cultural Engagement: Barry Lord with 34% voter turnout ... 
Published in Raise the Hammer, Nov. 7th, 2014

2015

34. Freelton Antique Mall: Eclectic, Exquisite & Eccentric 'Canadiana' 
Published in Raise the Hammer, (with 13:10 min VIDEO), Jan 15th, 2015

35. Sugaring Off! at Westfield Heritage Village (with VIDEO embed)
Published in Raise the Hammer, March 10th, 2015.

36. The Boob Tube: 3 Generations Talk TV
Published on Raise the Hammer, May 13th, 2015

37. The Frozen Goose Film Project: The DO's & DON'Ts of CROWDFUNDING 
Published on Raise the Hammer, September 10th, 2015

2016 

38. Words, Photos & Story-Telling: The Extreme Librarian  (with VIDEO embed)
Published on Raise the Hammer, May 20th, 2016 - 

39. Impressions of the Telling Tales Festival 2016  (with VIDEO embed)
Published on Riase the Hammer, October 5th, 2016

40. Studio of Metal-Worker, Doris Treleaven - 12 minute Documentary
Published on Raise the Hammer, October 7th, 2016  

2017 
41. Artist Frida Kahlo's Blood Bath Enshrined at Casa Azul
Published on Raise the Hammer, January 14th, 2017  

42. LAST FOLIO: Yuri Dojc - Exhibition Review at the Art Gallery of Hamilton
Published on Raise the Hammer, February 3rd, 2017

(Sidebar: Editor, Ryan McGreal, of Raise the Hammer, wrote great critical review of my latest musical offering, CANADADA:TAKE TWO - and published it on June 26th.

43. Book Review by M.L. Holton: All's Well by John Lefebvre
Published in Raise the Hammer, July 5th, 2017

44.  Book Review by M.L.Holton of  'CAST: Art & Objects'  
Published in Raise the Hammer, August 18th, 2017 

2020

45. Opinion by MLHolton - Arts Section - We'll Make It!
Published in Burington Gazette, May 5th, 2020 
 

2021

46. Creators Interview - MLHolton
 

 Recent book & CD production -  HERE
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