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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Jennifer Byrne, Director of Public Art
DATE: December 28, 2023
SUBJECT:
Requesting approval of a contract with Jen Lewin Studio LLC to lease the artwork "The Pool" for Aurora's Public Art Light Festival, for display October 4, 2024 - November 1, 2024. "The Pool" is to be installed on the Development Services Center, 77 S. Broadway, lawn, adjacent to Water St. -Ward 2/Garza.
PURPOSE:
Per the guidelines of the grant awarded June 13, 2023, to the City of Aurora by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for an inaugural Public Art Festival of Lighted Art Installations, a minimum of four, unique lighted art installations must be on display, simultaneously, for four weeks during the festival. The purpose of the grant and festival are to promote economic development of the Downtown District via tourism. Account number 215-1360-450.32-99 will be used to fund the cost of the contract with Jen Lewin Studio LLC.
BACKGROUND:
The manner of installations required for a Public Art Light Festival are unique and non-comparable. Jen Lewin LLC is the sole source for leasing "The Pool," as listed in the contract. Leasable lighted installations of this type are limited; contracts to secure scheduling must be formalized well in advance to guarantee availability.
DISCUSSION:
As described in the contract:
"The Pool" is comprised of 106 interactive pads, each housing custom LEDs, custom electronics, custom wireless control, and custom roto-molded components. The diameter of each pad is 34”; the total diameter of the installation is 50’. The glowing pads change colors in complex patterns as participants walk, dance, and jump on them.
Per the artist, Jen Lewin:
"The Pool is an environment of giant, concentric circles created from interactive circular pads. By entering the pool, you enter a world where play and collaborative movement create swirling effects of light and color."
The total cost for leasing, licenses, service, estimated shipping, and installation and dismantling of The Pool by Jen Lewin LLC staff, including staff travel expenses, is $98,000. The account number to be used for this project is 215-1360-450.32-99. A budget amendment will be processed for the expense.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
"The Pool" will be on display in Downtown Aurora, October 4, 2024 - November 1, 2024, as one of four, monthlong lighted art installations for the City's inaugural Public Art Light Festival. The public will be able to interact with this artwork every evening during this time frame. The display duration of four weeks will provide an extended opportunity for local and non-local visitors to experience this interactive installation and spend time in Aurora's Downtown District.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
I request the proposed resolution be adopted.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
title
A Resolution to accept a contract with Jen Lewin Studio LLC to lease the artwork "The Pool" for Aurora's October 2024 Public Art Light Festival.
body
WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the guidelines of the grant awarded to the City of Aurora on June 13, 2023, by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for an inaugural Public Art Festival of Lighted Art Installations require a minimum of four unique, lighted art installations to be on display, simultaneously, for four weeks during the festival,
WHEREAS, the purpose of this grant and festival are to promote economic development of the Downtown District via tourism, and
WHEREAS, funding for the lighted art installation "The Pool," as described in the contract with Jen Lewin Studio LLC, is provided by 215-1360-450.32-99, and
WHEREAS, Jen Lewin Studio LLC is the sole source for leasing "The Pool," and
WHEREAS, The total cost for leasing, licenses, service, estimated shipping, and staffing for installation and dismantling, including travel expenses, is $98,000, and
WHEREAS, The account number to be used for this project is 215-1360-450.32-99 and a budget amendment will be processed for the expense.)
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: Approval for the Director of Purchasing to execute necessary documents with Jen Lewin Studio LLC to lease the artwork, "The Pool," for Aurora's Public Art Light Festival, for display October 4, 2024 - November 1, 2024.