Saskatoon councillors uphold funding behind controversial $297K art installation

Saskatoon city councillors have decided to retain funding for a controversial art installation called Modern Erratics, despite concerns over its $297,000 cost. The funding stream, known as the Civic Capital Project Public Art Funding Stream, requires capital projects over $5 million to include a public art element at up to one percent of the total costs, with a maximum of $500,000.

Ward 5 Coun. Randy Donauer proposed scrapping the policy following the controversial unveiling of three glacier-like sculptures made of recycled plastics in June. However, councillors unanimously voted against his motion, with a majority supporting the project. Em Ironstar, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Arts Alliance, argued that public art is an integral part of infrastructure and helps create recognizable, memorable, and connected public spaces.

The project's artist, Tristan Surtees, explained that the work is driven by community impact rather than profit, with the total profit from the project estimated at around $11,000 over three years. City administrators provided details on the project's costs, including $150,000 for materials and $148,000 for implementation, with around $11,000 in profit.

Donauer argued that the motion aimed to address the policy, as larger capital projects might require significant public art funding in the future.