Creative finish to innovative series

The inaugural season of the Open to Question discussion series came to a close on April 28 with a presentation and short tour by Clarence Epstein.

Epstein, Director of Special Projects and Cultural Affairs in the President’s Office, presented the university’s extensive public art collection and introduced the latest addition to the collection, Acer Concordiae, a series of 52 laser-engraved stainless steel panels that animates the tunnel under De Maisonneuve Boulevard.

Walking through the tunnel from either end, pedestrians can enjoy a fictional depiction of Concordia’s history and its place in Montreal by viewing the series of 26 panels, which can be seen, in order, in either direction. The series portrays the life of an imaginary tree that begins as a seedling, takes root and blossoms while Concordia’s architectural landmarks complete the backdrop. Artist Kamila Wozniakowska, originally from Poland, moved to downtown Montreal in 1983 and witnessed Concordia’s evolution first-hand.

Epstein’s presentation was a fascinating summary of the public art collection’s modest beginnings, its surprising “rediscovery” and the context behind the acquisition of certain works of art, as well as the strategic direction that will be taken.

This particular Open to Question event took a slightly different format from the usual because it included a short tour of a healthy proportion of the public art currently on display in Quartier Concordia.

The Open to Question discussion series was launched in September 2010 by University Communications Services in support of Concordia’s Strategic Framework. The 14 inaugural events allowed 600 participants from across the university to exchange with key decision makers on timely topics. The goal is to share information with the Concordia community and to provide a venue for face-to-face discussion with representatives of specific portfolios. The most popular subjects were university financing and Concordia’s academic plan, given by CFO Patrick Kelley and Provost David Graham respectively.

All the Open to Question events were recorded and are available online, along with associated visual presentations. For more information, or to suggest a topic for next season, beginning in the fall of 2011, contact Internal Communications.

Related links:
•    Open to Question podcasts
•    Concordia’s Public Art Collection
•    Quartier Concordia
•    Internal Communications