Scheduled Topic: Gift of the Wind
Ruth Ryals kicked off the meeting with a history of Gift of the Wind (public art in Porter Square) and efforts to repaint and refurbish it. The issue of liability has been an obstacle. Conservation estimates range from $250,000 to possibly $600,000 depending on scope. Question as to whether Cambridge Arts estimate was for conservation only or included related costs (e.g. moving). Question of where the money would come from, acknowledging potential availability for private contributions.
Representative Marjorie Decker spoke to attendees about the work that she has been doing to secure funding, based on ongoing conversations at state level, focusing on the cost of dismantling the sculpture and having it repainted. As this project evolves, City Manager Yi-An Huang would be part of the planning conversation. Representative Decker feels fairly confident that it would be possible to earmark money in the state budget for conservation of the sculpture and that a Memorandum of Understanding could be put in place to address issues related to liability and jurisdiction.
Ruth Ryals and attendees noted the work of the late Councilor Joan Pickett in raising the urgency of conserving this piece, based on its history and its iconic nature as a symbol and place of convergence in Porter Square.
Attendees discussed issues related to funding the maintenance and conservation of projects created through the Percent for Art and other public art programs. Also financial burden caused by shift of “Big Dig” debt to MBTA.
Rep Decker noted that proceeds from the Fair Share Tax (known as “millionaires’ tax,” can be used to fund this work
Attendees discussed the role of local news in bringing attention to issues of concern to PSNA, specifically Gift of the Wind.
After closing discussion on the sculpture, attendees addressed other topics:
Eviction of two artist cooperatives/incubator businesses at Porter Square Shopping Center. Sign of the Dove and Mudflat Pottery. These businesses have announced their closing in April because landlord has other plans for the space. PSNA members discussed the nature of their agreement with the original shopping center owner—the understanding was that this space was provided at a below market rate as a community benefit. The community is concerned about relocation assistance for these businesses, which have needs specific to the shopping center location. Attendees discussed relocation (at below market rent) elsewhere within the shopping center parcel, given expanded development capacity resulting from recent rezoning. Also noted was the City’s encouragement of ground floor retail with the new zoning.
Attendees also discussed need for community meeting space and agreements with nearby educational institutions. Recent years have seen “walkback” of free space for certain community uses. One example was use of space agreement for senior exercise classes at Lesley that was suspended during COVID and never reinstated. Heather Shaw, Vice Provost and Professor of Design at Lesley’s College of Art & Design introduced herself to the group and offered to look into the situation after receiving more specific information. Attendees noted that this use of space was part of Lesley’s agreement with the community when they were seeking support for construction of the art school.
Also noted was the benefits permeability and interaction provide to BOTH university and surrounding community. One example was a live drawing class for university students that was open to community members for a nominal free. There are things that are easy and inexpensive for a university to provide, which offer significant benefit to the community, and can be done with appropriate attention to student safety and security.
Rep Decker noted that these topics would be good projects for a Cambridge City Council committee or working group. Support of arts and culture and community engagement are among the Council’s priorities.
Paul Toner announced that he is working on establishing a North Cambridge community association (NOCA) and will continue to report on progress.
Heather Shaw affirmed Lesley’s commitment to community engagement, noting that exhibit opening are publicly accessible, and while not all initiatives are feasible, some are.
Ruth Tam from Cambridge Day, covering the evening’s discussion, introduced herself to the group.
Meeting adjourned.