A proposed public art project has received council’s seal of approval, but not approval for sealing.
The Salmon Arm Arts Centre sought and received permission from city council to proceed with a mosaic tile mural public art installation on the backdrop of the Ross Street Plaza stage. According to a letter to the city from Shuswap District Arts Council director/curator Tracey Kutschker, the project is estimated to cost $14,000. A grant is being sought for $7,000, while $5,000 has been set aside in the arts council budget.
Along with council’s approval to proceed with the project, Kutschker asked the city for $1,800 to go towards grouting/sealing.
“I can do this project with what we’re applying for in grants,” said Kutschker. “What I was hoping, was that I could have this little bit of extra money to hire a local professional to do the grouting and sealing. And that it is so that it’s easy to take care of for the next 50 years.”
Coun. Chad Eliason put forward a motion to support the project, with the funding to come form council initiatives. He suggested surplus funds might be found later.
Apart from Mayor Nancy Cooper, however, the rest of council (Debbie Cannon absent) were opposed to kicking in the $1,800. Couns. Denise Reimer and Alan Harrison said they would not support the motion on principle, referring to a fee for service agreement proposed by the arts centre that council agreed to at budget time.
“I specifically remember asking the question at that time, at budget time, will you be back asking for any more money for the next three years, and I was told that you wouldn’t be,” said Harrison. “I know it’s only a small amount of money, but it’s a matter of principle to me.”