The oftentimes controversial Vancouver International Sculpture Biennale could be on its way back to Richmond.
City councillors were due on Tuesday to vote on a staff recommendation to bring back the public art exhibition for the 2013-15 event.
The invitation comes as a result of Richmonds participation in the last Biennale from 2009-2011 one which elicited some controversy, mixed emotions and finally a general lack of interest in paying top dollar to keep any of the pieces beyond the exhibitions duration.
Valued at $700,000, the Lenin/Miss Mao piece was the target of much public criticism and outrage, as many were offended with the mere presence of a Lenin statue in the city. Of 3,244 people surveyed last year, only 127 voted to keep the piece after its time ran out.
Ultimately, however, residents didnt want to keep any of the works. When asked if they wanted the city to buy Wind Waves at Garry Point Park for $400,000 for example, the public voted in the negative.
The only work of the 15 pieces installed around Vancouver and Richmond to be purchased was Water #10 by developer David Chung for an undisclosed price.
Nevertheless, city staff wants Richmond to have another stab at the free art exhibit.
With the support of the Richmond Public Art Advisory Committee, the recommendation conditional on corporate sponsorship cites numerous benefits such as increasing tourism and raising the citys profile as a destination city.
Participation in the exhibit will also expose local artists and the community to international artists and contemporary art.
Last fall, city council created the City Centre Public Art Plan, which strives to integrate artworks throughout Richmond.
The upcoming Biennale will adhere to this plan, according to the report which was due to go before the citys parks and recreation committee on Tuesday.
In the report, city staff recommended three significant contemporary sculptures to be placed in previous Biennale locations in the city centre and private sites such as Aberdeen Centre.
It also advised the city to secure sponsorship funding for a $75,000 fee for participation each sculpture costs $25,000. The Biennale will be responsible for all other costs.
There is no financial impact at this time, public art planner Eric Fiss wrote in the report. All associated costs are to be covered by the Biennale and the sponsors.
If by council, city staff will approach corporate sponsors for support for the Richmond components.
