The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutPAAC Agenda Packet 8-1-19 Public Art Advisory Committee Thursday, August 1, 2019 3:30 PM Helling Lobby Conference Room 410 E Washington St AGENDA Call to order Public discussion of any item not on the agenda Consideration of minutes of the July 11, 2019 meeting (to be distributed Wednesday, July 31, 2019) Review of Performing Art Applications and General Future Steps Discuss Draft Public Art Strategic Plan Review of “Hit the Ground Fitness” art project proposal by Sayuri Sasaki Hemann Committee announcements or Committee reports Staff reports Adjournment If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this program/event, please contact Marcia Bollinger, Neighborhood and Development Services at 319-356-5237 or marcia- bollinger@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 1 Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 2 Table of Contents Executive Summary 3 History of the Iowa City Public Art Program 4 Purpose of the Public Art Strategic Plan 5 Vision Mission Process for creating the Strategic Plan 7 Process Timeline Survey Results Summary 8—13 Demographics Survey Responses Art Location Maps General Write In Comments Goals, Action Steps and Tasks 14—18 Map of Current Public Art 19 Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 3 Executive Summary Strategic Plan Goals 1. Review the existing Public Art Program; its policies, priorities and practices and adjust to better reflect our community of 2020. Devise creative ways to more effectively provide art opportunities; permanent, temporary and performance/programming, etc. that cultivates a vibrant public art environment, engages the input and resources of our community and reflects Iowa City’s cur- rent diversity, talents and vitality. 2. Expand opportunities to enliven and enhance spaces throughout Iowa City to ensure that all the community and its visitors can enjoy public art and arts activities. 3. Secure and manage funding to ensure an ongoing vibrant, sustainable Public Art Program as well as ensure the care and mainte- nance of existing public art assets. 4. Collaborate with municipal, civic, nonprofit and private sector organizations to create opportunities for public art. 5. Build awareness and promote understanding about public art and the benefits of the arts in general. Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 4 HISTORY OF THE IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART PROGRAM Iowa City is defined by its flourishing arts and culture scene. The Public art program was established by the City Council in 1997, its purpose to enhance our public spaces, to capitalize on Iowa City's reputation as a cultural cen- ter, and to build on Iowa City's image as a vital place to live and work. The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) was established at the same time to over- see the operations and budget, determines potential sites, oversees the proposals process and curates the city’s public art collection. The current collection of perma- nent artwork is valued over $1,000,000 and is sited throughout the community. The Iowa City Public Art Program has sustained activity over the past 20 years despite regular adjustments to the funding levels. Since 1999, Matching Funds totaling approximately $24,000 have been allocated to local artists to assist in arts programming, installations and activities. Spon- sored programs such as the annual Poetry in Public program have expanded op- portunities to our local literary talent to have their work featured in buses, City facilities and other public venues. Kidztent, an annual Iowa Artsfest favorite host- ed by PAAC offers donated original artwork from Artsfest artists for sale to youth for $5 or less. 1999—2001 (Downtown Focus) Weatherdance Fountain Five Pedestrian Mall Sculptures Iowa Avenue Literacy Walk 2002—2006 (Neighborhood Parks) Goosetown and Northside Street Markers Longfellow Historic Markers Wetherby Park Shelter Project Pheasant Hill Park Mosiac Bench and Plinth Grantwood neighborhood of Seasons Mosaic Column 2007—2012 (Downtown, City Buildings, and Near Neighborhoods) Irving Webber Downtown sculpture Dancing Water Glass Panels in the Rec Center Northside Literary Walk Woodland Walkway Court Street Transportation Center Wayfinding 2013—2019 (Downtown, City Buildings, and Neighborhood Parks) Whole Mural Goosetown Mural Co-Exist Mural Step up Statue in the Ped Mall Underwater Scene Mural in Grantwood City Hall Metal Sculpture Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 5 Vision We recognize the important role that arts and culture play in engaging our increasingly diverse pop- ulation. We value how the arts can help build that community by providing opportunities to partici- pate in experiencing and creating art, both visual and experiential that will enhance the environ- ment, nurture creative placemaking and engage our community. By promoting the arts, maintain- ing an ongoing dialogue within our community about the fundamental nature of art and developing programs and projects that educate, entertain, and inspire the public, we will work towards pre- serving our cultural heritage, and inspire, educate and enlighten our community and its visitors. Mission The mission of the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is to advise and as- sist the City Council with the selection, promotion, and integration of Public Art within the city's physical environment and public spaces. Our objective is to create a stimulating environment that reflects and cele- brates Iowa City’s distinctive history, culture, diversity and character. PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC ART STRATEGIC PLAN The purpose of this Strategic Plan is to outline a broader approach to be completed over the next 5 years that creates a sustainable, robust public art program designed to meet the interest and the needs of our growing community as well as secure the necessary funding to ena- ble the program to continue to meet those interest and needs. The plan will also align with and provide a more deliberate action plan that move towards reaching the goals and strategies for Arts and Culture as outlined in the IC2030: Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan Up- date Adopted May 14, 2013. Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 6 This Public Art Strategic Plan was developed to align with the goals and strategies outlined in the Iowa City Comprehensive Plan. The Process The Public Art Advisory Committee began the process for development of this plan in January, 2019. A series of community engagement opportuni- ties were developed the occurred over the next 6 months. Public Meetings The Public Art Advisory Committee hosted two public Input meetings. The first meeting provided opportunities for general feedback regarding topics such as: Where should public art be located? What should public art do? What form should public art take? What other types of art would you like to see? At the second meeting, the PAAC solicited comments on the results of the public sur- vey outlined below. In addition to many general comments regarding the survey results, there was extensive discussion regarding the potential role of the City in assisting in the creation of a public art cen- ter in Iowa City. Arts Professional Steering Committee Meetings The Public Art Advisory Committee con- vened a group of local arts professionals to act as a steering committee to help guide the process for developing the Public Art Strategic Plan. The Steering Committee met twice. At the first meeting, the group helped fine tune the mechanisms used to solicit ideas and feedback from the public. At the second meeting, members helped evaluate the public input received. They also reviewed proposed goals and action plans and pro- vided insights and suggestions of addi- tional areas to be considered for inclu- sion in the strategic plan. Online Survey The feedback received at the public meetings was used to guide develop- ment of a Public Art Survey that was made available online for public re- sponses over a three-week period in April 2019. A public display was also placed in the Iowa City Public Library that provided the opportunity for visi- tors to respond. Members of the Public Art Advisory Committee also participat- ed in one-on-one canvasing of visitors to the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall one Saturday afternoon. • “Explore new funding sources for Arts and Culture projects and programs such as Hotel/Motel tax revenue, crowd-funding, a “percent for art” ordinance, and new grant funding.” • “Seek the participation of diverse populations (e.g. young and old) when developing cultural programs.” • “Increase visibility and awareness of Arts and Culture programs.” • “Explore opportunities for new Arts and Culture venues that will attract visitors to Iowa City.” • “Seek representation of diverse populations on the Public Arts Committee.” • “Develop an Arts and Culture plan that includes all neighborhoods.” • “Continue to provide opportunities for Neighborhood Art.” Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 7 Timeline from passage to Implementation December 2018 Request from the City Council to draft a strategic plan March 8, 2019 First Public Input Meeting May 5th 2019 First Art Professionals Meeting to review Survey Results and review draft of goals April 2019 Compiled the Survey Results June 21, 2019 Sent the Second Draft to the Arts Professionals Group June 6th 2019 PAAC Meeting to Review Goals and Art Professional Notes— Create a Second Draft July 11th, 2019 PAAC Meeting to Review the second draft and make changes to the Tasks and Action steps coming from the goals May 15th 2019 Second Public Meeting March 20 - April 21 2019 Public Art Survey is open to members of the public Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 8 Who Participated? Overall response rate and interest in the survey process was excellent. 500 responses were re- ceived to the online survey with almost 100% completion of each survey. Visitors to the li- brary completed 22 surveys and pedestrian mall visitors completed another 23 surveys. 28% 14% 11%10%8%7%7%6%4%3%1% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% Where do you live in Iowa City? 0% 6% 21% 29% 15%13% 16% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Age Categories of Survey Participants Age of Respondents 86% 7%6%1%0% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% I like it I make it I am neutral I dislike it I don't understand it My Relationship to Public Art The amount of input and enthusiasm that was exhibited in the responses to the survey demon- strates that the citizens of Iowa City consider public art to be an important, if not critical com- ponent to the quality of life in the community. Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 9 Most Favorite and Least Fa- vorite Public Art Installations in Iowa City Write-in comments included the Pedestrian Mall Bench- marks project and murals in general. The Four Modular Piece by Kenneth Snelson is currently located in Terrill Mill Park. The sculpture will soon be relo- cated to Riverfront Crossings Park – a setting that will better showcase the work which is one of the more valuable piec- es of the Public Art inventory. Write-in comments included a dislike of the Iowa Avenue Literary Walk- respondents said the bronze plaques were slippery in the winter and on rainy days. 41% 16%15%14% 4%3%2%2%2%1% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% Favorite Example of Public Art 54% 14% 10% 5%5%4%4%2%1%1% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% Least Favorite Example of Public Art Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 10 Where should Public Art be located? 65% 52% 43% 38% 29% 19% 16% 15% 14% 5% 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70% Downtown streets and alleys Unexpected places Pedestrian walkways and trails Parks Public buildings My neighborhood Along the river Vacant lots Buses/ Bus stops Other (please specify) I want to see Public Art in this Location 64% 54% 42% 34% 27%22%22% 12%10%10% 4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% The Role of Public Art What is the Role of Public Art? Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 11 Participants in the Steering Committee and Public Meetings were also asked to locate where they would like to see Public Art installations Arts Professional Steering Committee Public Meeting Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 12 General Write-In Comments The survey provided an opportunity for people to make any comment they wished related to public art. Over 150 people -approximately 30% of the respondents- provided comments. These comments were compiled into common themes and provide an even broader sense of how people feel about public art in Iowa City. The top 10 topics/comments included: 1. More public art outside of downtown/in neighborhoods – 26 2. More engaging/interactive public art -13 3. More art by local artists – 13 4. More public art in Iowa City’s marginalized/lower income neighborhoods – 12 5. Public Art should reflect a community’s cultural diversity - 11 6. Concern over cost of public art – particularly if taxes are used to fund it – 10 7. Concern over a large “iconic” piece of public art – 10 8. More murals – 10 9. Involve community members/kids in creation of art – 10 10. Creation of a community art center – 8 44% 21% 15% 14% 5% 0%10%20%30%40%50% Downtown Gateways or major entrances to IC (Dubuque St., North Dodge, Highway… In a park (Chauncey Swan, College Green, Hickory Hill, etc) Nowhere. Iowa City doesn't need a large iconic public artwork Other (please specify) If Iowa City were to commission a large/monumental, iconic public artwork, where should it be located? 81% 57% 41% 27%23% 15%13%13%7%6%5%5%3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% The Type of Public Art I Most Enjoy 67% 57% 56% 56% 37% 7% 7% 6% 0%20%40%60%80% Playfulness and whimsy Beauty Cultural symbols and traditions Landscape/Nature History/Monumental Political Other (please specify) High Tech I would like to see Public Art in Iowa City reflect Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 13 44% 21% 15% 14% 5% 0%10%20%30%40%50% Downtown Gateways or major entrances to IC (Dubuque St., North Dodge, Highway… In a park (Chauncey Swan, College Green, Hickory Hill, etc) Nowhere. Iowa City doesn't need a large iconic public artwork Other (please specify) If Iowa City were to commission a large/monumental, iconic public artwork, where should it be located? 81% 57% 41% 27%23% 15%13%13%7%6%5%5%3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% The Type of Public Art I Most Enjoy Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 14 Goal 1: Review the existing Public Art Program; its policies, priorities and practices and adjust to better reflect our community of 2020. Devise creative ways to more effectively provide art op- portunities; permanent, temporary and performance/programming, etc. that cultivates a vi- brant public art environment, engages the input and resources of our community and reflects Iowa City’s current diversity, talents and vitality. Action Steps Tasks Timeline for Completion A Review and update existing policies and procedures for se- lection, installation, maintenance and conservation of art- works in public spaces and civic facilities. • Review existing Policies and Procedures - update as necessary • PAAC adoption and City Council presentation November 2019 December 2019 B Evaluate structure, size, practices and accessibility of the Public Art Advisory Committee • Review existing By-Laws • Consider expansion of membership of committee • Consider meeting time outside of standard work hours to encourage more public participa- tion • Reevaluate location of meeting November 2019 December 2019 C Encourage people to see art in new ways, in unexpected places and spaces. • Develop projects/programs/criteria that encourages these opportunities • Expand opportunities to create functional art installations • Expand opportunities to engage public in unexpected ephemeral art experiences Ongoing D Encourage innovative projects and public arts activities that make Iowa City a public art destination particularly by col- laborating with other arts entities in the community. • Incorporate opportunities that encourage fresh ideas/creative interpretation • Ensure programming draws new audiences and generates helpful feedback Ongoing E Develop a method by which the public can provide ongoing input • Evaluate digital media opportunities to solicit feedback • Incorporate audience feedback for programs/project where possible • Conduct annual survey for general public input • Incorporate annual arts organizations/professionals gathering to optimize coordination among partners January 2020 F Seek opportunities to prioritize the involvement by our large pool of talented, local artist. • Determine geographic area for the term local artists • Develop a baseline of information about activities in which local artists have participated • Determine needs of local artists that can be addressed by public art programs and activities • Ensure that programs that respond to these needs are developed and involve local artists Ongoing G Develop criteria to define what determines progress; quan- titative and qualitative. Review annually. • Programming outcomes are reviewed annually and this information is used to refine pro- gramming for the year January 2020/ ongoing Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 15 Goal 2: Expand opportunities to enliven and enhance spaces throughout Iowa City to ensure that all the community and its visitors can enjoy public art and arts activities. Action Steps Tasks Timeline for Completion A Conduct an inventory and prioritize potential areas for future consideration of public art and arts activities throughout Iowa City, particularly underserved areas; update annually. • Sites identified and prioritized including interior and exterior • Seek out non-traditional locations • Each site/location evaluated for arts options encouraging fresh ideas for opportu- nities • Information used to refine projects and activities for next year. February 2020/ongoing B Create a framework by which these locations can be made available for temporary art exhibits as well as an evaluation process by which artist can propose a project in an undiscovered public location. • Revisit draft of Temporary Art Installation Policy. Incorporate as appropriate, ad- just as necessary • Research Art on loan program and determine how or if to pursue this option February 2020/ongoing C Generate community involvement with art projects. 1. Reinstitute the annual Neighborhood Art Program which enables neighborhoods to work with local artists to develop a public art installation/s that best reflects their energy and identity in their neighborhoods. 2. Encourage interactive or performance arts activities or workshops in various locations for all ages. 3. Encourage private property owners to incorporate art on their own property for public enjoyment. 4. Promote our local artist talent by providing opportuni- ties to showcase their work through studio tours, neigh- borhood art festivals, opportunities to use facility space for the display of artwork, etc. • Review existing Neighborhood Art program guidelines, adjust as necessary. • Determine method of implementation/level of funding • Develop program/methods for expanding interactive/performing arts/events • Determined method of implementation/level of funding • Evaluate existing Public Art in Private Places program to encourage private invest- ment in visual arts on private property. Evaluate incentives/ Consider funding pro- grams to encourage involvement • Evaluate opportunities for hosting private artist exhibits/events including City facilities, parks, coordination opportunities with existing programming, etc. Consid- er funding directed towards coordination/administration costs March 2020/ongoing D Expand the concept of public art with spontaneous arts experiences in non-traditional settings. • Develop special arts experiences in unique settings designed and/or organized when feasible. Ongoing E Develop and implement a policy for soliciting and ac- cepting donations, memorial gifts or loans of artwork and memorials. • Review existing policies, amend/add as necessary. • Promote opportunities on regular basis. February 2020/ongoing F Continue to seek opportunities for temporary exhibitions of artwork throughout the community both in public and private locations. • Develop program/process that encourages these opportunities • Promote on a regular basis • Consider establishment of sculpture garden , annual rotating art exhibit or other February 2020/ongoing Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 16 GOAL 3: Secure and manage funding for the public art program and the care and maintenance of public art assets. Action Steps Tasks Timeline for Completion A Develop a staffing and resource model to ensure that the goals of the Public Art Program are achieved. • Develop public art program goals and outcomes • Determine programming priorities for five year period • Determine estimate of administrative requirements • Determine funding sources/opportunities for administrative costs July 2020 B Identify and secure funding sources that will provide for a sustainable, reliable resource to ensure the realization of the Public Art Strategic Plan. Options could include: • HOTEL/MOTEL TAX SET-ASIDE • PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PERCENT FOR ART- Enables development bonus (density/height/etc.) if private de- velopers provide a percent of total development costs to be utilized for the arts. Currently available in the River- front Crossings Redevelopment Area. • PUBLIC CAPITAL PROJECTS - PERCENT FOR PUBLIC ART – Consider including percent of capital project costs to project to install public art as part of the project (bridges, streetscapes, etc.) if deemed appropriate. • GENERAL FUND ANNUAL ALLOCATION • ENDOWMENT FUND (Community Foundation of Johnson County) • GRANTS • PRIVATE FUNDRAISING • Evaluate options, develop recommendation and propose to the City Council • Continue to evaluate supplementary funding sources an/or partnerships as they be- come available • Evaluate funding annually and incorporate strategic increases as necessary March 2020 C Identify strategies to cover maintenance and conserva- tion of public art. • Conduct a regular condition assessment of all the artworks in the city’s public art collection to determine which pieces need maintenance or conservation, or should be evaluated for deaccessioning. • Prioritize conservation needs. • Identify and secure funding to provide the necessary treatment and secure those funds in a revolving fund accessible when needed. • Secure the services of a professional conservator for assessment and/or conservation if necessary. Conditional assessments of the entire public art collection conducted and priorities developed Ongoing Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 17 GOAL 4: Collaborate with municipal, civic, nonprofit and private sector organizations to create opportunities for public art. Action Steps Tasks Timeline for Completion A Develop a process to incorporate public art program staff, the PAAC and/or artists into early design discussions and planning for capital projects including infrastructure, public facilities and open spaces. • Inform and involve City departments about the plans and potential for imple- mentation of the Public Art Master Plan and the Guidelines and Procedures for Public Art • Identify and meet with key departments where public art partnerships and col- laborations can be developed, and identify opportunities for partnerships and collaboration on public art projects at the time of construction or later • Work with existing City departments/committees considering wayfinding pro- jects that may incorporate artwork. April 2020/ongoing B Cultivate partnerships in all sectors of the community (Artifactory, Public Space One, Summer of the Arts, Iowa City Downtown District, Stanley Art Museum University of Iowa School of Art, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics Project Art, etc.) to assist with acquisition of artwork and spaces for artwork and/or arts activities. • Determine all potential partners • Include in all meeting notifications and planning processes • Consider annual joint meeting to share projects/ideas/etc. January 2020/ongoing C Support efforts by local arts organizations to create a com- munity art center that provides a place for the public to learn, practice, and exhibit fine arts and crafts by continuing engagement and providing resources as available. • Encourage and maintain ongoing communication with involved entities • Evaluate and seek out funding opportunities as available • Act as resource/advocate as appropriate Ongoing D Promote incorporation of public art in private develop- ment. • Encourage city staff to work with private developers on the potential value of public art and possible opportunities to include art as part of their developments • Explore the feasibility for an ordinance requiring public art in private develop- ment; provide incentives as possible March 2020/ongoing Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 18 GOAL 5: Build awareness and promote understanding about public art and the benefits of the arts in general. Action Steps Tasks Timeline for Completion A Develop a promotional campaign about the City’s public art collection that targets all available media and that will reach all segments of the population. 1. Identify and implement community awareness strategies for every public art project installed. 2. Identify and widely publicize events and/or opportunities associated with or in proximity to artworks and highlight the artwork, its unique history and the artist. 3. Explore using digital media application to create a self- guided tour of the City’s public art including the opportunity to crowd source feedback by the public regarding other art installations. • Develop promotional campaign, identify targets for media and population; and launch campaign. • Develop community awareness strategies and implemented for all public art project. • Capture and utilize other promotional opportunities Identify and widely publi- cize events and/or opportunities associated with or in proximity to artworks and highlight the artwork, its unique history and the artist. • Explore digital media opportunities that would enable the public to learn about public art through a self-guided tour application March 2020/Ongoing B Assemble and maintain a variety of communication and/or media networks to target audiences of all ages and back- grounds for these messages. • Identify various communication and/ or media networks and cultivate and activate for promotional efforts. March 2020/Ongoing C Coordinate with other arts organizations to sponsor regular events to showcase art projects / Programs / Opportunities • Develop artists database to feature local artists and their work. Make publicly available • Create an e-source bank of programming opportunities, networks and contact information developed for communities to access if desired. June 2020/Ongoing D Develop annual report to be presented to the City Council detailing accomplishments and spending over the past year • Reinstitute an annual report Ongoing Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 19 Iowa City Strategic Art Plan 20