HomeMy WebLinkAbout11. 15-385AUGUST 25, 2015 15-385 RESOLUTION
(CARRIED__7-0____LOST________LAID OVER________WITHDRAWN________)
PURPOSE: APPROVE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SPLIT
ROCK STUDIOS FOR “PEOPLE OF THE WATERS” EXHIBIT AT
THE OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM ($150,000.00)
INITIATED BY: OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM
WHEREAS, the Oshkosh Public Museum Board has reviewed and approved a
conceptual plan for a new long-term exhibition to replace the Wetlands & Waterways
exhibit on the first floor gallery of the Steiger Wing to be entitled People of the Waters; and
WHEREAS, it is now necessary to contract for design development services to
implement the conceptual plan; and
WHEREAS, Split Rock Studios developed the conceptual plan for the new exhibit,
is qualified and has experience in design development and contracting with Split Rock
Studios will provide continuation from the conceptual planning to design phase as well as
efficiencies and cost savings for the Museum; and
WHEREAS, funds are available for this project as follows:
2015 CIP - $50,000
Foundation Grants - $50,000
Museum’s Durow Trust - $50,000
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of
Oshkosh that the proper City officials are hereby authorized to enter into and take those
steps necessary to implement an appropriate professional services agreement with Split
Rock Studios to perform design development of a new exhibition entitled “People of the
Waters” in the amount of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000.00)
Acct. No. 323-1070-6401-06515 Property Improvement – Contractual Services
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Giscc�ver � Conoect • lrs�ire
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the Common Council
FROM: Brad Larson, Museum Director
DATE: August 18, 2015
RE: Professional Services Agreement with Split Rock Studios for People of the Waters
BACKGROUND. This relates to the plan to replace the current Wetlands & Watenvaysexhibit
on the first floor gallery of the Steiger Wing with a new exhibit catled Peop[e of the Waters.
Wetlands & Waterways opened in 1998 and is now outdated. Last year, with Board approval the
Museum staff worked with an exhibit design firm, Split Rock Studios of St. Paul, MN, to develop
a conceptual plan for a new next-generation exhibition (People of the Waters). The Museum
Board formally adopted that plan on September 4, 2014. The next phase is to turn the
conceptual plan for Peop/e of the Wate�s into the design elements and specifications necessary
to create the various components. This will be the first new long-term exhibition since 1998.
ANALYSIS. The Museum's strategic plan (2014), supported by various studies, planning
reports, and community input over several years, identified key changes necessary to keep the
Museum vital and build attendance. One of the most important recommendations is to evolve
the Museum's aging long-term exhibitions to meet current visitor expectations. And, at the
same time, to ensure that next generation exhibits connect strongly to elements in the Oshkosh
Area School District (OASD) curriculum.
Working cooperatively with OASD teachers in 2013, the Museum identified exhibit priories and
centered People of the Waters on those needs. It focuses on the Native American presence,
indudes the story of the Winnebago watershed, and goes through the Fur Trade era. It is
intended to connect strongly to the theme and focus of the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway.
People of the Waters is a full-gallery exhibition of about 1,500 square feet that indudes state-
of-the-art features. Work of this scope and scale is well beyond what can be done by Museum
staff alone.
Exhibitions are the primary product of any museum and have a tremendous impact on
attendance and, as a consequence, on overall success. The plan for replacing and upgrading
outdated long-term exhibitions is one component of our larger strategic plan. Taken as a whole
and in conjunction with our lively annual schedute of temporary exhibits, it will energize the
Museum and enable it to continue as the primary resource of community and regional history.
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FISCAL IMPACT. The design development phase is supported by $50,000 in the City's 2015
Capital Improvement Program; $50,000 in foundation grants; and $50,000 in earnings from the
Museum's Durow Trust. Creation and installation of People ofthe Watersis supported through
a requested allocation of $200,000 in the proposed 2016 CIP, and by matching funds from the
Durow Trust and other private sources. The total cost of People of the Waters is estimated
between $500,000 and $600,000. The wide cost estimate is due primarily to a final
determination of what work can be done in-house by Museum staff and other departments. It is
anticipated that the exhibition will open in late 2016 or early 2017.
RECOMMENDATION. For Peop/e ofthe Watersto move forward, it is necessary to engage an
exhibition firm for design development. I recommend that Split Rock Studios be hired to begin
work with Museum staff on design devetopment.
Respectfully ubmi ted
, I �c� �� �� `
Brad Larson
Museum Director
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Approved:
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City Manager