Submitted By: Emily Parkman
presenter
Presentation By: Cultural Arts Supervisor, Emily Parkman
end
Department: Growth Management
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve to accession "Double Helix" into the City's permanent public art collection
end
body
BACKGROUND:
Every other year Ocala Cultural Arts presents the Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition where ten sculptures are selected through an open call and displayed at Tuscawilla Park and Art Park for a two-year short-term loan. The City seeks to acquire one sculpture through donation or purchase each cycle and add it to the permanent public art collection. "Double Helix" by Hanna Jubran is one of the ten sculptures selected in the 2024-2025 Ocala Outdoor Sculpture Competition. "Double Helix" is a free-standing stainless-steel sculpture of abstracted DNA double helix structure that is encapsulated by the infinite universe unifying macro and microcosms balancing movement, space, and time.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff contacted artist Hanna Jubran in June 2025 about availability of "Double Helix" and possible acquisition into the City's permanent public art collection. On June 20, 2025, the City purchased "Double Helix" from Hanna Jubran to bolster the collection and fulfill the following goals of the Public Art Program:
* Diversify the collection with a new artist - Hanna Jubran
* Diversify the collection with a new sculpture style and concept - abstract, scientific merging of biology and physics
* Include works supporting diverse community and audience interests - Science, educational
* Appropriate site selection - relocate to in front of Discovery Center on empty concrete pad to compliment the center's pursuit of scientific and learning opportunities to Ocala's youth
* Ability to withstand Florida's climate over time - "Double Helix" is in excellent condition
* Minimal maintenance requirements - stainless steel with minimal paint
As a result of these findings and accession form, staff...
Click here for full text