Agenda-Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force-20210217Town of Aurora
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Meeting Agenda
Date:Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Time:7:00 p.m.
Location:Video Conference
Pages
1.Procedural Notes
This meeting will be held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
2.Approval of the Agenda
3.Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
4.Receipt of the Minutes
4.1.Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of
January 20, 2021
1
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes
of January 20, 2021, be received for information.
5.Delegations
Note: Anyone wishing to provide comment on an agenda item is encouraged to
visit www.aurora.ca/participation for guidelines on electronic delegation.
6.Matters for Consideration
6.1.Memorandum from Manager, Library Square; Re: Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
5
That the memorandum regarding the Anti-Black Racism and
Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines be received; and
1.
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
comments regarding the Mural Guidelines be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
2.
6.2.Round Table Discussion; Re: Town Diversity and Inclusion Team
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
comments regarding Town Diversity and Inclusion Team be
received and referred to staff for consideration and action as
appropriate.
1.
7.Informational Items
8.Adjournment
1
Town of Aurora
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Wednesday, January 20, 2021
7:00 p.m.
Video Conference
Committee Members: Noor El-Dassouki (Chair)
Mark Lewis (Vice Chair)
Phiona Durrant
Keenan Hull
Mae Khamissa
Tricia Wright
Councillor Harold Kim
Other Attendees: Techa van Leeuwen, Director of Corporate Services
Phillip Rose-Donahoe, Manager, Library Square
Mat Zawada, Accessibility Advisor
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications
Michael de Rond, Town Clerk
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Procedural Notes
This meeting will be held electronically as per Section 19. i) of the Town's
Procedure By-law No. 6228-19, as amended, due to the COVID-19 situation.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Councillor Kim shared a story regarding racism he experienced with his family
during a recent outdoor recreational outing. He reminded the Task Force
members that how we respond and the way in which we choose to deal with
these sorts of atrocious acts reflects on everyone in the community as well as
members of the Task Force.
2. Approval of the Agenda
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2
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Keenan Hull
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
3. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
None.
4. Receipt of the Minutes
4.1 Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Meeting Minutes of
November 25, 2020
Moved by Councillor Kim
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force meeting minutes
of November 25, 2020, be received for information.
Carried
5. Delegations
None.
6. Matters for Consideration
6.1 Memorandum from Manager, Library Square; Re: Canadian Achievements
Mural II
Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Library Square, provided a brief
presentation to the Task Force. An overview of the project was given,
including a description of the work plan and the various stages of the
project. A sub-committee was proposed to work with the Manager of
Library Square on guidelines for the project.
There was discussion regarding artist selection, project budget and next
steps for the project. The Task Force agreed that the sub-committee
would consist of Noor El-Dassouki, Mae Khamissa, Tricia Wright, and
Keenan Hull. The Manager of Library Square will report back to the Task
Force at the next meeting with proposed final project guidelines.
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3
Moved by Tricia Wright
Seconded by Mae Khamissa
1. That the memorandum regarding Canadian Achievements Mural II be
received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding the Canadian Achievements Mural II be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate;
and
3. That a sub-committee consisting of Noor El-Dassouki, Mae Khamissa,
Tricia Wright, and Keenan Hull be formed to assist in creating project
guidelines.
Carried
6.2 Memorandum from Accessibility Advisor; Re: Municipal Diversity and
Inclusion Charter
Mat Zawada, Accessibility Advisor, provided a brief overview of the memo.
There was discussion regarding who is involved in the Municipal Diversity
and Inclusion Group (MDIG) and the mandate of the group. Discussion
also took place regarding the Diversity and Inclusion calendar being
created to celebrate various events. Clarification was provided that the
Director of Corporate Services will relay what is happening at Task Force
meetings in the Town of Aurora to MDIG.
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That the memorandum regarding Municipal Diversity and Inclusion
Charter be received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding Municipal Diversity and Inclusion Charter be received and
referred to staff for consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
6.3 Round Table Discussion; Re: Black History Month
Eliza Bennett, Acting Manager of Communications, spoke to the Town’s
preliminary plans for celebrating Black History Month in the Town of
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4
Aurora. She noted a webpage would be created on the Town’s website as
well as various social media posts highlighting black history in Aurora.
The Task Force expressed the importance of their involvement in the
formulation and execution of plans for Black History Month, and other
Task Force initiatives. They further noted the significance of getting an
early start on planning for Black History Month 2022 to ensure the
fulsome involvement of the Task Force.
The Acting Manager of Communications committed to formulating a plan
for Black History Month 2021 and providing it via email to the Task Force
for feedback.
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Councillor Kim
1. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments
regarding Black History Month be received and referred to staff for
consideration and action as appropriate.
Carried
7. Informational Items
None.
8. Adjournment
Moved by Mae Khamissa
Seconded by Councillor Kim
That the meeting be adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Carried
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100 John West Way
Aurora, Ontario
L4G 6J1
(905) 727-3123
aurora.ca
Town of Aurora
Memorandum
Community Services Department
Re: Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
To: Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
From: Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Library Square
Date: February 17, 2021
Recommendation
1. That the memorandum regarding the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
Mural Guidelines be received; and
2. That the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force comments regarding the
Mural Guidelines be received and referred to staff for consideration and further action
as appropriate.
Background
In October 2020, Council approved a motion to investigate options for a wall mural that
represents Canadians of racialized backgrounds who contributed to the building of
Canada and Aurora.
On January 20, 2021, the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force formed a Sub-
committee to oversee the Mural Project as one strategy to promote anti-racism in the
community.
Analysis
Since January 17, the Mural Sub-committee and Town staff have met on two occasions
to create the Draft Mural Guidelines for the Task Force to review and comment on. Once
the Task Force’s comments are incorporated into the Mural Guidelines, a Call to Artists
will be released to determine which artist(s) will be chosen to create the Mural.
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
February 17, 2021 Page 2 of 2
Attachments
Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force
MURAL GUIDELINES
2021
To request a copy of the Guidelines in another format, please contact us at:
Phil Rose-Donahoe, Manager of Library Square Email: prose-donahoe@aurora.ca Telephone: 905-716-2366 Mail: Town of Aurora, 229 Industrial Pkwy N, Aurora, ON L4G 4C4
Attachment
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Page2 i. Project Overview
In October 2020, Aurora Town Council approved a motion to investigate options for a
wall mural that represents Canadians of racialized backgrounds who contributed to the
building of Canada and Aurora.
In January 2021, the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force formed a
Subcommittee to oversee the Mural Project. The Mural is one strategy to promote anti-
racism in our community.
ii. Mural Program Themes
The Artist or Artist-Led Team is invited to develop a proposal for a mural that will be a
focal point and symbol of community pride that addresses the following themes:
• Celebrates Canadians of racialized backgrounds who contributed to the building
of Canada and Aurora; and
• Encourages education and learning around equity, diversity and inclusion.
The mural can either be a conceptual interpretation of the themes above or a figurative
representation of actual historic events and people that contributed to the building of
Canada and Aurora, or a combination of both. Artists are encouraged to think about
how their mural can be used to engage and educate the public about racism and
systemic inequities.
iii. Artist Eligibility
The Mural Program is open to individual artists or Artist-Led Teams that meet the
following criteria:
• Submit a complete Application Form that includes the information detailed in
Section v. (Call for Artists Application Requirements) of these Guidelines;
• Possess demonstrated experience in creating murals or similar public art
projects;
• Artists with the skills and experience needed to develop a community art project
and who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous or Person of Colour) will be given
priority although this is not a requirement.
iv. Mural Location
The Town has identified the general vicinity for the first mural as TBD as shown below:
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Page3 ADD IMAGES HERE OF LOCATION (INCLUDE DIMENSIONS)
The Town will determine the exact size of the mural in collaboration with the successful
artist(s), but it is the artist’s responsibility to make a recommendation in their
Application regarding size.
v. Call for Artists Application Requirements
Artists interested in participating in the Mural Program must submit an Application
Form that includes the following:
• Proposed Concept: a high-resolution rendering in colour, including proposed
dimensions that effectively communicates the artistic concept and how it relates
to the Mural Program Themes. Artists may submit up to three different designs
in total;
• Letter of Interest: no more than 200 words in length that explains the artist’s
interest in the project;
• Artist’s Statement: no more than 200 words in length that describes the artist’s
work;
• Artist’s Portfolio: between 3-5 images or links to images of past murals or similar
past projects;
• Material and Supplies: a list of all proposed materials and supplies required to
execute the mural design;
• Budget: must include artist fee, materials and supplies, insurance and any other
expenses;
• Workplan:
o Identifies the process and estimated timeline required for the successful
completion of the mural, including proposed start and end dates.
o Indicates the assistance the artist believes they will require from the Town
to carry out the mural installation;
• References: provide up to three (3) professional or character references from
individuals familiar with the artist’s work and working methods. The list should
include addresses and contact information; and
• Insurance Requirements:
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Page4 o The artist will be required to provide the Town with proof of insurance with
a minimum of $5 million General Liability coverage naming the Town as
an additional insured.1
o The artist will be required to sign a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
(“WSIB”) waiver provided by the Town prior to performing any work.
vi. Additional Submission Requirements
• Submissions must be original artwork;
• Representational, stylized, and abstract designs will be considered;
• It is recommended that artists consider the physical appearance of the
surrounding area in their designs;
• Artists are encouraged to visit/research the mural site to ensure their mural
concept is appropriate for the location;
• Artists are required to work with Town staff to develop a safety plan that will
ensure the safety of themselves and pedestrians during the performance of their
work;
• Designs may be completed in any media as long as the design can clearly be
translated to a mural using agreed upon supplies;
• Designs must be scaled to fit the proportions of the wall to which it will be
applied;
• Neon, fluorescent, or reflective type colors are prohibited;
• Submitting artists must not share their designs until after final decisions have
been made and designs have been announced by the Town.
Designs may be disqualified as a result of the following:
• The design is improperly scaled to fit the wall;
• The Application Form is incomplete or does not meet submission requirements;
• The resolution of the submitted design is too low and details cannot be clearly
viewed when enlarged;
• Applicants share their designs before the Town announces the selected artist;
• The design includes imagery taken directly from another artist’s work or from any
copyrighted work;
• The design cannot clearly be executed within an appropriate time frame;
• The design is inappropriate for display in an outdoor public place; and
1 The Town’s insurer offers an independent program where, if need be, the artist may purchase insurance at a
competitive rate. The artist is eligible to be reimbursed for this expense. Click on link for a quotation:
https://eventinsurance.marsh.com/
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Page5 • The design contains direct advertisement of a product or company name
associated with any artist or third party, any libelous or slanderous expression, or
any obscene or pornographic content.
vii. Selection Process
A Mural Program Selection Committee comprised of (at minimum) four representatives
from the Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force, an external art professional,
and one Town staff member, will evaluate all submissions based on the following
criteria:
• Overall artistic merit of the proposed design and how it relates to the Mural
Program Themes (0-25 points);
• Artist’s experience and demonstrated quality and applicability of past work (0-25
points);
• Responsiveness of the design to the physical site location (0-25 points); and
• Feasibility of the overall installation, workplan and budget (0-25 points).
viii. Project Budget
Artists are eligible for up to a maximum of $10,000 all inclusive, including but not
limited to, the artist fee, materials and supplies, insurance, and any other expenses for
the production of the Mural as detailed in the following table:
Item Description Amount
Artist Design and
Production Fee
This is the amount to be paid to the artist
for designing and producing the mural.
$8,300
Material, Supplies
and Equipment
This is the amount to be paid to the artist
for all proposed materials, supplies and
equipment required to execute the mural
design.
$1,500
Insurance This is the amount to be paid to the artist
to obtain insurance with a minimum of $5
million General Liability coverage naming
the Town as an additional insured.
Up to a maximum
of $200
The Town will also allocate funds for the maintenance of the mural in accordance with
an approved maintenance plan. Development of the maintenance plan is the shared
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Page6 responsibility of the Town and artist, however once the mural is installed, Town staff will
be responsible to monitor the mural for maintenance requirements and consult with the
artist regarding any repairs that are required.
ix. Program Timetable
Milestone Date
Release of Call for Artists Application March 15, 2021
Application Deadline April 9, 2021
Selection Process Completed by April 23,
2021
Artists Notified of Selection Process Results Week of April 26, 2021
Agreement Between the Town and Artist Finalized Completed by May 15,
2021
Mural Work Begins TBD
Mural Work Completed By September 3, 2021
Mural Reveal and Celebration September-October 2021
The dates in the Program Timetable are subject to change, at the sole discretion of the
Town. Should the Town revise any of the proposed dates in the Program Timetable, the
artist will be notified in advance.
x. Terms and Conditions
• All artwork created through this process will remain under the ownership of the
Town;
• Each design must be the original artwork of the artist named in the Application;
• Copyrighted or commercial images cannot be depicted. Artists may take
inspiration from imagery that is copyrighted as a part of their designs, and may
be required to clearly site the source in the description;
• By submitting their artwork, artists consent to the use of said artwork by the
Town;
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Anti-Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Guidelines
Page7 • Artists understand that their artwork will be used in part or whole for the Anti-
Black Racism and Anti-Racism Task Force Mural Program, which will be located
in plain sight and viewable by the general public;
• They further understand that if their artwork is selected, they will be required to
enter into a contractual agreement with the Town that outlines all of the
expectations for products, services, responsibilities, payments, ownership of the
physical project, ownership of the copyright, liability insurance, indemnification,
maintenance, life span, and more;
• The Town reserves the right not to award the commission to any artist and to
cancel or re-issue the Call for Artists Application at any time;
• Should the artist be infected with COVID-19 prior to or during the project
timeframe, the artist is required to inform the Town immediately, which at that
point Town staff will determine the appropriate steps of action under their
discretion; and
• The artist will need to follow the necessary York Region’s Public Health
guidelines with respect to COVID-19 while performing the work.
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