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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, servi...
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