BOROUGH OF POOLE

PUBLIC ART WORKING PARTY

10 DECEMBER 2013

The Meeting commenced at 11.05am and concluded at 11.50am

Present:

Councillors Maiden, Parker and Mrs Parkinson.

Officers present:

Alan Leeson, Democratic Support Officer

Kevin McErlane, Head of Cultural and Community Learning

Michael Spender, Museum Manager

Nikki Whittenham, Public Art Officer

PAWP19.13ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED that Councillor Maiden be elected Chairman of the Public Art Working Party for the ensuing Municipal Year.

PAWP20.13APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

No apologies were received.

PAWP21.13DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

PAWP22.13MINUTES

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Meeting held on
25 April 2013, having been previously circulated, be taken as read, confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

PAWP23.13TERMS OF REFERENCE

The Terms of Reference were considered and agreed as accurate, however the Public Art Officer informed that they may subject to being changed after the Our Streets and Spaces (OSAS), Public Realm Strategy Part 2 was completed.

RESOLVED that the Committee agreed the Terms of Reference for the Public Art Working Party, noting that they may need revision in the future to reflect adopted policy changes to the Council.

FOR – Unanimous

PAWP24.13REPORT TO COMMUNITIES OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

The Public Art Officer explained that an Annual Report was being produced for presentation to the Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee in January 2014. The Report was to give an update onthe service, and this year emphasis put on the new Public Realm Strategy, OSAS, in which plans for the first project were under way.

A Member questioned whether the map of Poole which highlighted public art in the Borough could be published on the website for easy access? It was explained that it would be soon online.

PAWP25.13URGENT BUSINESS

  • Members ran through the Project Sheets and confirmed the allocated Member for each project.
  • Cabot Lane artwork re-siting – Discussion ensued on the re-siting of the sculpture to the other side of the road. This decision was agreed at a previous Working Party meeting and Members agreed that this was the best option. The move of the sculpture would take place before the end of the municipal year.
  • The Chairman commented that he had been made aware that there was a large mural inside the building of a NatWest Bank in the High Street in Poole. The Museum Manager commented that he would undertake to view and assess the piece. Research would be required to find out who owned the building.

PAWP26.13EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS

“RESOLVED that, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that they may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act and the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it”.

PAWP27.13PUBLIC ART PROJECTS - UPDATE

The Public Art Officer referred to the Project Sheets dated
29 November 2013, copies of which had been circulated previously.

No.1 – Celebration of ‘Sea Music’ – Poole Quay

The Officer explained that following the death of sculptor Sir Anthony Caro the sculpture, Sea Music, on Poole Quay was to be refurbished. There was also to be an exhibition of his works to be held in Poole Museum of previously un-exhibited sculptures with musical titles.

Comments and discussion included:

  • Comments were made that the base of the sculpture belonged to Wessex Water as there was thought to be a water pump below the sculpture. It was commented that problems could arise should access to the the water pump ever be needed.
  • It was commented that this would be a great tourist opportunity for Poole. The Sea Music sculpture was his most important sculpture and must be celebrated accordingly.
  • It was confirmed that the Public Art Working Party Members would be updated on progress, and Cllr Parker was identified as the lead Member.

No. 2 – Guildhall/Maypole Space – Pilot Project for OSAS (Public Realm Strategy)

The Public Art Officer presented the pilot project for the “Our Streets and Spaces (OSAS) Strategy”, the Guildhall/Maypole Space. The brief for the Project was explained; to improve the triangular public realm space to the south east of Poole’s Guildhall building.

The governance arrangements for the project were discussed, it was agreed that the Portfolio Holder had in principle approved the Project. The Project was then subject to consultationincluding meetings with Place Theme Portfolio Holders and presentation at Area Committee, as well as consultation with the Poole Quays Forum (PQF) who had consulted with the community.

Comments and discussion included:

  • It was suggested that when the artist appointment takes place, a Member should be appointed to the panel.
  • It was confirmed that the funding of £30,000 was already approved through L17 Planning Obligations funding through Leisure Services in 2011. Discussions had taken place with Transportation Services over the Local Transport Plan and additional funding of £100k for ‘Public Realm Improvements in line with the work of OSAS’.
  • It was stated that this was an urban design project and consultation should be broad.

RECOMMENDED that:

a)Ward Members be consulted over the Project and consequent discussion at Area Committee in February 2014 be undertaken.

b)Following thorough consultation, the Portfolio Holder approve the implementation of the Project.

Voting: For – Unanimous

PAWP28.13DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that future meetings should be scheduled half yearly unless were more frequently required. Members to be kept up to date via email correspondence.

CHAIRMAN

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