The Marquette Public Art Commission has been seeking temporary interactive public art installations to be displayed during the winter months, and is recommending Oscillation, from CREOS, a Canadian-based company.
Oscillation is an all-inclusive, interactive installation that uses sight, sound, and movement to spark community activity and social interaction through play. The installation acts somewhat like a theremin, an unusual musical instrument that you can play without touching it. As you walk toward the piece, it plays different sounds and pitches depending on your distance from it. And as you move and dance around it, colors reflect and refract light in different ways based on your angle and position. Oscillation is made up of five parts that are deconstructed from a solid cube using a Voronoi algorithm. The crystal-like forms can be moved around and placed in a variety of formations. The result is a totally immersive experience that breaks down social barriers and fuels joyful conversations between strangers.
MPAC/City Arts and Culture, Marquette DDA and Travel Marquette have discussed a partnership and identified matching funds, agreeing that a four-week installation of Oscillation in downtown Marquette from December 10, 2024, until January 5, 2025 would have the biggest impact. The installation would be a part of a “Marquette Light Festival” that will be promoted by the three partners.
The cost for a rental is $46,463.62, with $23,231.81 due upon execution of this agreement. Two payments of $11,615.90 each are due on December 10, 2024 and January 5, 2025.
The FY 2023 public art budget includes $10,000 for this installation. Because these payments span multiple fiscal years, the FY 23 budget will need to be amended to reflect the full expenditures of $46,463.62. After the fifty percent payment in FY 23 is made, the remainder will be encumbered in FY 25. The City’s Public Art Fund has sufficient balance to cover this expense. Additionally, the proposed FY 24 budget will be amended to reflect $36,463.62 in revenue.
The DDA will be contributing $5,000, and staff will be submitting a Michigan Council of Arts and Culture grant application for $20,000 for the installation. Staff will also solicit sponsorships toward the installation. The Friends of Marquette Public Art has agreed to fundraise the difference between $15,000 committed from the City and DDA after all grant awards and sponsorships have been realized.
As this is a lease, it cannot be approved during the same meeting at which it is introduced, and will be recommended for approval at the September 25 City Commission meeting.