September 11, 2020
Dear Cathy Masterson and Ray Mensour,
We write this letter to seek approval and support for a project spearheaded by the Art Gallery of Windsor (AGW). The goals of the project, ‘Look Again! Outside!’ , are to positively build Windsor’s image and support the cultural vibrancy of downtown Windsor (aligned with the C ity of Windsor’s Cultural Plan); as well as to position images from AGW’s treasured art collection downtown, to be enjoyed by a broad audience.
‘Look Again! Outside!’ will feature reproductions o f eight artworks from the AGW collection in the community, creating a mini-walking tour through downtown . A network of reproductions will link the AGW building on Riverside Drive to St. Clair College, University of Windsor, the Capitol Theatre, Maiden Lane, Transit Centre, as well at the Windsor Public Library, riverfront, local parks, and local businesses.
The reproduced artworks will be fabricated using materials that are highly durable. AGW staff and partners will be regularly reviewing the condition of reproductions and replacing or removing them should their condition deteriorate or become unsightly.
The AGW kindly requests that the City of Windsor consider waiving permit fees and any indemnity deposits that would be applicable for each installation. The AGW will not ask the City of Windsor to cover any expenses associated with this project beyond providing approvals for the project, and helping to ensure AGW is producing and installing the reproductions to code and in adherence with city bylaws. Costs for the production, installation, repair, and maintenance of the reproductions will be covered by the Art Gallery of Windsor and partners.
A list of artworks and proposed locations are attached as an addendum, as well as fabrication and installation information – but please note these are proposals. AGW intends to be very flexible in terms of working with the City of Windsor to find locations where the works can be best installed using existing infrastructure, and best located to avoid sightline issues. The AGW would also be open to shifting the locations of the reproductions after installation should issues arise, and should the City of Windsor or partners deem the locations no longer suitable.
The duration of the project will be 8 months to one year, with installation ideally taking place in October 2020. Should the City of Windsor or community partners wish to continue to leave the reproductions installed, the AGW would be open to that, provided that the reproductions remain in good condition at the end of one year.