Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services seeking to approve the installation of the Me Brother Dan art installation in Weston Park.

The installation aligns with the charitable purposes of the site by supporting arts, culture, heritage and public education. As a permanent public artwork, Me Brother Dan will enhance the park's cultural offer, commemorate an important aspect of Sheffield's social and military history, and provide opportunities for learning, reflection and public engagement. The installation will contribute to understanding of the city's heritage while reinforcing Weston Park's role as a civic space for education, remembrance and community connection.

1. 2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Charity Trustee Committee;

a)    Approves in principle the installation of the Me Brother Dan art installation within Weston Park, subject to the final location, design, installation method and ongoing maintenance arrangements being agreed with the Service Manager Parks & Public Realm.

b)    Authorises officers to progress the practical, legal and operational arrangements required to enable the art installation to be installed, including any necessary agreements relating to permissions, ownership, installation, health and safety, maintenance, insurance and future management responsibilities.

c)    Notes that the Me Brother Dan installation has been funded through community fundraising led by the Royal British Legion Frecheville, supported by the Royal British Legion Hallam. The funders are described as “the people of Sheffield” who contributed to the fundraising campaign for the project. No funding restrictions have been identified that would affect the proposed installation or its future use.

d)    Accepts the gift to the Charity of the artwork to be installed in Weston Park.

e)    Delegates final approval of the detailed design, siting and installation arrangements to the Director of Parks, Leisure and Libraries, in consultation with appropriate legal, finance, parks, public art and heritage officers.  

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

The proposal contributes to the charitable objects of Weston Park by providing a permanent cultural, educational and commemorative art installation within the park for the benefit of residents, visitors and the wider public.

1. 3.2

The installation would recognise the significance of Me Brother Dan, its connection to Sheffield, and its role in reflecting remembrance, service, sacrifice and the impact of conflict on families and communities.

1. 3.3

The proposal has been developed through engagement with community, civic and partner organisations and is supported in principle as an appropriate addition to the existing commemorative setting within Weston Park.

1. 3.4

Approving the proposal in principle allows the project to continue to progress while ensuring that final decisions on design, siting, installation, ownership, and legal agreements remain subject to appropriate officer approval and safeguards.

1. 3.5

The recommended decision ensures that the Charity Trustee Committee can support a proposal which aligns with the charitable purposes of Weston Park, while protecting the interests of the charity and ensuring that financial and maintenance responsibilities are clearly documented.

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 1: No action taken

The first alternative option considered was to take no further action and not progress the installation of the Me Brother Dan art installation within Weston Park. This option is not recommended because it would not respond to the engagement already undertaken with community, civic and partner organisations, and would miss the opportunity to recognise the cultural, educational and commemorative significance of the poem in an appropriate public setting in line with the Charity’s objects. This option has therefore been rejected.

1. 4.2

Alternative Option 2: Site the artwork elsewhere

A second alternative option was to identify a different location outside Weston Park. This option is not recommended at this stage because the proposal has been developed around Weston Park, including its existing commemorative context and the intention to position the installation close to the war memorial. This option also removes the opportunity to advance the Charity’s objects of advancing public education and promotion and advancing education in the arts via this piece of artwork. This option has therefore been rejected.