Unique art piece engages with Barb Scott Park visitors
Using colour and light, an interactive sculpture will enhance visitors’ experience at the future Barb Scott Park located on 12 Ave. and 9 St. S.W. Dubbed Chinook, installation of the public art piece will begin March 31, 2014 and will be publicly unveiled at the official park opening scheduled for June 13, 2014.
Following extensive community consultation that identified a desire for public art to be included in the park’s development plan, funds dedicated to public art (as per Council policy) were used to support the creation of a substantial piece appropriate for this high visibility location.
“This has been a great collaboration with the Beltline communities. We all believe it will contribute greatly to Barb Scott Park, becoming a favourite gathering place in the community while at the same time providing interest for Calgarians driving along 12 Ave. S.W.,” says Manager of Culture, Sarah Iley. “Using colour and light, Chinook will encourage residents and park visitors to engage and interact with their environment in a meaningful and fun way.”
The $370,000 public art piece was conceptualized and produced by artist team Creative Machines. It was chosen by a panel of five Calgarians, representing both the neighbourhood and the local arts community.
Creative Machines is a unique group of imaginative thinkers based in Tucson, Arizona. At the heart of all their work is the creation of interactive objects and environments, and they are renowned for their ability to meld inventive approaches with the highest quality work.
The interactive and illuminated sculpture will create an identity for the park that is as unique as the Beltline district itself. Enhancing the experience of visitors, park users will be able to manipulate lighting sequences with a wave of a hand. It will also serve as a beacon of light, especially in the dark winter months.
Fencing of the site will begin March 27, 2014. Installation of the art piece will begin March 31, 2014 and is expected to take approximately three weeks. To allow for delivery of the materials, one east-bound lane of 12 Ave. S.W. and the parallel sidewalk will be closed for most of the day March 31, 2014. No other impacts are anticipated to commuters or surrounding residents and businesses throughout the installation process.
“Parks is pleased to see this addition to Barb Scott Park,” says Parks Planning Manager, Keath Parker. “With limited open space in the Beltline, we want to ensure additions in our parks are meaningful. This piece will add to the vibrancy of the community.”
Adjacent to the former Dr. Carl Safran School, Council approved the name of Barb Scott Park in July 2013 in honour of the late Alderman who served on Council for 24 years.
The City of Calgary Public Art Policy is a sustainable and responsive means through which to invest in the cultural fabric of Calgary, and acknowledge public art as a vital component of an attractive, dynamic and liveable city.
For more information about City of Calgary Public art: www.calgary.ca/publicart
For more information about the artists: www.creativemachines.com
To follow progress on the Chinook installation: @Chinook_Art