DEPARTMENT: Department of Arts & Culture
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Debbie Racca-Sittre
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: All
SUBJECT: Donation of a reciprocal gift of a sculpture from City of San Antonio to our Sister City of Gwangju; and amendment of the 2010 arrangement allowing the City of San Antonio to assume maintenance for the Korean Pavilion located at Denman Estate Park.
SUMMARY:
Approving a donation agreement gifting a sculpture to the Sister City of Gwangju, South Korea and authorizing the City to take over long-term maintenance of the Pavilion at Denman Estate Park; and approving payment to the City of Gwangju in the amount of $17,000 for installation.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Since 1956, sister city programs across the US have worked to create global relationships based on cultural, educational, information and trade exchanges through official municipal level sister city agreements. Participants have developed lifelong friendships that provide prosperity and peace through person-to-person "citizen diplomacy."
The City of San Antonio enjoys active and productive Sister City relationships with eleven cities and two friendship cities worldwide, including the City of Gwangju, South Korea which was established in 1981. Sister Cities offer unique opportunities for diverse and exciting exchanges with residents in foreign communities.
In 2010, the City of Gwangju gifted the City of San Antonio a traditional Korean Pavilion built at Denman Estate Park. Planning for a reciprocal gift from San Antonio to Gwangju began immediately. The Department of Arts & Culture recommended San Antonio Artists from the City Council approved pre-qualified list in 2012 and the City of Gwangju selected Cakky Brawley to create the piece. Additionally, Gwangju curated the artwork which was designed and fabricated over the next few years and funded through the Sister Cities budget.
Gwangju and San Antonio each possess unique, individual histories and rich cultural and artist...
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