HomeMy WebLinkAboutPAAC Agenda Packet 7-11-19
Public Art Advisory Committee
Thursday, July 11, 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 June 6, 2019 meeting
Review of “Hit the Ground Fitness” art project proposal by Sayuri Sasaki
Hemann
City Hall Art Project Update
Discuss Draft Public Art Strategic Plan
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.
MINUTES
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY COMMITTEE
JUNE 6, 2019 – 3:30 PM
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM – CITY HALL
MEMBERS PRESENT: Eddie Boyken, Vero Rose Smith, Juli Seydell Johnson, Wendy Brown,
Andrea Truitt, Ron Knoche, Steve Miller
NOT PRESENT: Sarah Helmer
STAFF PRESENT: Marcia Bollinger
PUBLIC PRESENT: Steve Schuette
CALL TO ORDER
Vero Rose Smith called to order
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
There was no public discussion of items not on the agenda.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES OF THE MAY 2, 2019 MEETING
Marcia mentioned typos that she noticed after sending out the minutes and these would be
correct. Juli Seydell Johnson moved to approve with typo changes, Ron Knoche seconded.
Motion passed unanimously.
ARTIST STUDIO TOUR PROPOSAL – STEVE SCHUETTE
Steve Schuette introduced himself. He was formerly an artist and is getting back into it and
trying to find what is going on in the area. He travels to Galena with family and friends, and
discovered Twenty Dirty Hands; a collection of ceramic artists who designate a few days when
people come to see them and their work in their studios. Shuette explained that there are similar
events in northeast Iowa and southwest United States. From an artist’s perspective he
described the different venues where artists can display their work; in a gallery it takes time and
money and galleries take between 25-50% of the sales proceeds. In a craft fair you contend
with weather and attendance and you must commit a lot of time. There are other options, where
artists can set up galleries in their work spaces, home, yard and garage and have people come
see them. He has been contacting artists, and there is interest within the artist community for an
event like this. He wants it to be a positive experience and he wants to avoid duplication if
something like this has already been organized. Shuette explained that he was reaching out to
the City to determine who would be interested in helping with this event, or be a part of this
event. He has one or two events in mind this fall. And wanted to gather information from the
City, when should the event occur, he did not want it to conflict with other community events.
PRELIMINARY
Seydell Johnson described a Saturday event last December that included the holiday market at
the rec center, the Eastside Artisans Market at the Masonic Lodge, the Library Holiday Market
and another at Merge on that same Saturday. She said they played off each other well.
Vero Rose Smith asked Steve Shuette what kind of support would you need from this
committee specifically. Shuette suggested he was sure what is available, but hearing your ideas
and advice would be helpful. Potentially signs, maybe an interactive map, disseminating
information and promotion. He also suggested a website would be helpful.
Marcia Bollinger explained that the Public Art Advisory Committee could sponsor this event as it
would be meeting goals that are established in the strategic plan such as supporting the private
art community and providing opportunities. Bollinger suggested that City could help with
promotional work, signage and printing. Shuette being willing to organize the event would be
very helpful and appreciated.
The committee discussed possible dates for the event and determined that looking at fall 2019
weekends was best. Shuette agreed to start working on details for an online registration form.
Bollinger suggested the City could provide assistance. The need to provide accessible space
for persons with disabilities as well as safety needs was discussed.
Rose Smith stated that the University of Iowa Art school may be interesting in open student and
faculty studios as well as Public Space One which has artist studios.
The committee discussed the geographic area to consider for the studio tour and determined
that keeping it in the immediate Iowa City area for this first attempt seemed reasonable. Shuette
explained that he had 12 studio artists interested in participating in his neighborhood on Sunset.
He suggested that more would always be welcome. Charging a fee to the artists was discussed
as well as time frame. Bollinger stated that Project Green was hosting an Open Gardens
Weekend this year on July 13/14 and using much the same format of allowing any gardener to
participate that was interested. They are seeking sponsorship from businesses rather than
charging the gardeners or the visitors. She suggested she would touch base with them after the
event to see what suggestions they may have based on their first experience. Rose Smith also
suggested Friends of Historic Preservation have hosted house tours.
Shuette explained that he would be working on details of the tour in the next few weeks and
would stay in contact with Bollinger regarding progress and needs.
Seydell Johnson moved that the Public Art Advisory Committee partner with and support the
Safari Art Tour of local studios. Miller seconded. Approved unanimously.
All Members moved to the City Hall Stairwell to View the Public Art Piece.
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE ART REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
The committee reviewed the Performing Art Request for Proposal draft. Wendy Brown stated
she send Bollinger her comments via email stating that the change she suggested was
removing the second sentence as it wasn’t needed. Brown asked about the phrase “site should
be secured” and what that meant. Bollinger explained that frequently she received applications
for funding that have not received a commitment from the property owner to host the
event/artwork.
Andrea Truitt asked if the application would allow for applicants to submit videos as part of the
application and Bollinger said that would be an option.
Miller suggest the phrase in the Ineligible Event section “Events or performances that are a part
of the applicant’s regular programs” was limiting artists such as Jason Snell who performed but
the matching fund grants provided the opportunity for the public to see free performance. It was
agreed to remove that comment.
Truitt asked about the phrase under Ineligible Events “Those that advertise or promote a for-
profit business” and how sponsorships play a role in that and if acknowledgement of the
sponsorship was advertising. It was decided that acknowledging other sponsors was not
actively promoting a for-profit business.
Bollinger suggested given this is the first time that funding has been made available for
Performing Arts, it will be a learning experience and there will be questions.
The question of “Coordination of the event” being an ineligible expense was also discussed.
Bollinger explained that the goal was to provide funds to the performers as well as to other
expenses such as food, etc. to expand the event rather than to pay for someone to coordinate.
It was decided to keep that language and see how it impacts applicants.
Various methods of promotion and distribution were discussed and all agreed to share the
opportunity with those who may be interested.
Miller motioned to move forward on release the Performing Arts Request for Proposal with
changes mentioned. Truitt seconded. Motion unanimously approved.
DISCUSS DRAFT PUBLIC ART STRATEGIC PLAN
Rose Smith suggested that it be most effective to spend this meeting discussing major
organizations or formatting structure issues related to the draft strategic plan rather than getting
into the details. She suggested that al committee members could take time to individually read
and provide written comments and no later than 2 weeks from now.
Miller agreed with Vero’s approach. He stated that he noticed the draft is missing the concept of
the City having a financial stake in artist studio or gallery as was discussed extensively at the
last public input meeting. Rose Smith agreed that this should be included particularly as it
relates to the Riverfront Crossings District which has areas dedicated as an artist district and the
building that previously housed the Bochner chocolate factory was being pursued as an art
center space. Miller suggested it be separate goal.
Brown brought up the original memo from Karin Franklin that established the program and
mention of including public art as parts of buildings, tree gates, gates, paving designs, manhole
covers landscaping murals, etc. She referred to the suggestion by Thomas Agran to embed a
City artist in these projects similar to what is in place in Minneapolis. Bollinger stated that the
Action Plan includes that potential to be explored.
Bollinger stated that she needs to integrate all the feedback that was received from the public
meetings in more detail but also to consider if specific points were made by more than one
individual
Rose Smith suggested that it would be useful to have a more graphical presentation included as
part of the plan such as bar graph that were put up for the public meeting. Bollinger added that
there is a lot that can be visually enhances to make the plan more interesting and easier to
digest.
The committee discussed the time schedule for the review and decided that further revision
needed to occur on the draft plan. The public input meeting would be pushed out to an August
meeting and the committee would review the revised draft at their July 11 meeting. The Art
Professional committee would be sent the document for their input 2 weeks prior to the July 11
meeting asking for their input by July 11. The input would be incorporated and the document
would then be posted on the website for public review and feedback. The committee decided
that the final public input meeting will be discussed and scheduled at the July 11 meeting based
on feedback and further review needs. As previously discussed, it was decided to have the
committee members spend some time reviewing the document, providing feedback to Bollinger
and reviewing this draft at the July 11 meeting.
Knoche verified that the Strategic Plan would need to be adopted by the City Council prior to
expending any FY20 funding.
COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF COMMITTEE REPORTS
Seydell Johnson updated the committee on the Riverfront Crossings Grant Opening art project
that was discussed at the May meeting. Kite kits have been purchased in two different styles
and staff is experimenting with ways to decorate them. The kites will be made available to
anyone who is interested in decorating them at the event.
The committee discussed the option for artists to become involved in the project but it was
decided that such a project might be something better planned for a later event.
Bollinger updated the committee about discussions between the two students who attended the
meeting in May to present their concept for a mural in the Capital Street Parking Ramp. Darian
Nagle Gamm, the Transportation Services Director met with the students and suggested that
she would prefer to wait until the process was established for review of these types of proposals
for public facilities. Nagle Gamm stated that the students were comfortable with that approach.
Bollinger stated that this process will be included as part of the action plan of the strategic plan
Rose Smith handed out flyers for the project [r]amp event that was funded with the public art
matching grant to be held Sunday, June 9.
Bollinger stated that the Longfellow Front Porch Music Festival is scheduled for Saturday, June
8. Miller stated that his 7-year-old daughter is playing in their front yard.
Bollinger added that the College Hill Neighborhood is hosting the Eulenspiegel and Community
Band on Sunday, June 9.
ADJOURNMENT
Knoche moved to adjourn, Truitt seconded. Meeting adjourned at 4:45 P.
Public Art Advisory Committee
Attendance Record
2018-2019
Name
Term
Expires
8/2
9/6
10/4
11/1
12/6
1/10
3/7
4/4
5/2
6/6
Wendy
Brown 01/01/20 x x x x O/E O/E x x x x
Erin
Fitzgerald 01/01/20 x x x -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Ron
Knoche x x x x x x x x x x
Juli
Seydell-
Johnson
x x x x x x O/E x x x
Vero
Rose
Smith 01/01/21 O/E x x x x x x O/E x x
Steve
Miller 02/01/21 x x x x x x x x x x
Andrea
Truitt 01/01/22 -- -- -- -- x x x x x x
Eddie
Boyken 01/01/22 -- -- -- -- -- x x x x x
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Not a member
IOWA CITY PUBLIC ART STRATEGIC PLAN (DRAFT)
JULY 2019
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Iowa City Public Art Program was established by the Iowa City Council in 1997. The purpose
of the Public Art Program in Iowa City is to enhance our public spaces, to capitalize on Iowa
City's reputation as a cultural center, and to build on Iowa City's image as a vital place to live
and work. By providing Arts and Culture programs that educate, entertain, stimulate and
engage the public, Iowa City works to support the vitality of its diverse population, preserve and
interpret Iowa City’s rich heritage, and enhance the desirability of Iowa City as a residence and
destination.
The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) was established to oversee the operations and
budget of the Public Art program, to determine potential sites that can be enhanced by the
addition of public art and seek proposals and recommend various pieces of artwork. Since the
establishment of the program 22 years ago, there has been artwork valued over $1,000,000
installed throughout the community. Matching Funds totaling approximately $24,000 have
been allocated to local artists to assist in arts programming, installations and activities.
Sponsored programs such as the annual Poetry in Public program have expanded opportunities
to our local literary talent to have their work featured in buses, City facilities and other public
venues. Kidztent, an annual Iowa Artsfest favorite hosted by PAAC offers donated original
artwork from Artsfest artists for sale to youth for $5 or less.
Iowa City’s Public Art Advisory Committee developed their policies and procedures in 1998.
These specific procedures have governed the process by which the Public Art Advisory
Committee makes decisions. These have been expanded as programs are added and updates
are necessary.
The Iowa City Public Art Program has sustained activity over the past 20 years despite regular
adjustments to the funding levels.
Recent proposals to develop a funding model that would provide for a sustainable and vibrant
budget for a city the size and cultural vitality of Iowa City resulted in an increase of
recommended funding through a one-time allocation for Fiscal Year 2020. The goal of this
Strategic Plan is to outline a broader approach to create a robust public art program that meets
the interest and the needs of our growing community as well as secure the necessary funding
to meet those interest and needs.
HISTORY
Iowa City has a rich history of public art projects that have increased the economic vitality of
the city. In 1999 - 2001, projects such as the Weatherdance Fountain, five Pedestrian Mall
sculptures and the Iowa Avenue Literacy Walk were made possible through a yearly budget of
$100,000. The following five years (2001-2006) moved beyond downtown to parks and
neighborhoods. The neighborhoods of Longfellow, Goosetown, Northside, Wetherby,
Washington Hills and Grant Wood participated in the popular Neighborhood Art program –
determining an art project that best represented the history/essence of each neighborhood and
selecting an artist to orchestrate the work that would best envision their ideas. The projects
included the Goosetown and Northside Street Markers, Longfellow Historic Markers, Wetherby
Park Shelter project, the Pheasant Hill Park mosaic bench and plinth project and the Grant
Wood Neighborhood of Seasons mosaic column on Lakeside Drive.
$0
$20,000
$40,000
$60,000
$80,000
$100,000
$120,000
FY
9
9
FY
0
0
FY
0
1
FY
0
2
FY
0
3
FY
0
4
FY
0
5
FY
0
6
FY
0
7
FY
0
8
FY
0
9
FY
1
0
FY
1
1
FY
1
2
FY
1
3
FY
1
4
FY
1
5
FY
1
6
FY
1
7
FY
1
8
FY
1
9
The Public Art program has funded three murals at Fairmeadows and Mercer Park as well as
under the College Street bridge near the Chauncey and partnered with others to sponsor the
Goosetown Mural on North Dodge Ace Hardware, the Welcome to Downtown Iowa City mural
on the public library, and the Co-Exist mural on the Beadology building.
Since 1999, 11 sculptures have also been installed in 5 City parks; Kicker’s Soccer Field, South
Sycamore Greenway Trail, Willowcreek, Benton Hill, and the Peninsula Park. Dancing Waters,
the glass panel art project was also installed at the Robert A Lee Recreation Center. Two
projects; the Court Street Transportation Center Way-finding/Daycare Fence and the North
Marketplace Literary Walk were funded through other public grants but administered and
overseen by the Public Art Advisory Committee.
A complete inventory of permanent art installations is included in the appendix need to update
VISION
Iowa City is defined by its flourishing arts and culture scene. We recognize the important role
that arts and culture play in engaging our increasingly diverse population. We value how the
arts can help build that community by providing opportunities to participate in experiencing
and creating art that will enhance the environment and nurture creative placemaking. By
promoting the arts, and developing programs and projects that educate, entertain, and inspire
the public, we will work towards preserving the cultural heritage and enhance economic
development of our community.
MISSION
The mission of the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) is to advise and assist 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 celebrates Iowa City’s distinctive history, culture, diversity and character.
Our goals include:
• Through development of a Public Art Strategic Plan, seize the opportunity to 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 and reflects Iowa City’s current diversity,
talents and resources.
• 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.
• Secure and manage funding to ensure an ongoing vibrant, sustainable Public Art
Program as well as ensure the care and maintenance of existing public art assets.
• Collaborate with municipal, civic, nonprofit and private sector organizations to create
opportunities for public art.
• Build awareness and promote understanding about public art and the benefits of the
arts in general.
STRATEGIC PLAN PURPOSE
What is Public Art?
“Public art is not an art “form.” Its size can be huge or small. It can tower fifty feet high or call attention
to the paving beneath your feet. Its shape can be abstract or realistic (or both), and it may be cast,
carved, built, assembled, or painted. It can be site-specific or stand in contrast to its surroundings. What
distinguishes public art is the unique association of how it is made, where it is, and what it means. Public
art can express community values, enhance our environment, transform a landscape, heighten our
awareness, or question our assumptions. Placed in public sites, this art is there for everyone, a form of
collective community expression. Public art is a reflection of how we see the world—the artist’s
response to our time and place combined with our own sense of who we are.” (The Association of
Public Art website)
We also see public art as an opportunity to entertain, educate, build community, or otherwise engage
our community and its visitors through performances, programming or participatory events.
Why Public Art?
Public art has the power to energize our public spaces and profoundly transform the places where we
live, work, and play. It generates community identity by granting a unique atmosphere and enhancing a
sense of place.
In functioning both as destination and embellishment, public art plays an important role in sustaining
the local economy. This correlation is directly tangible through PAAC projects like the Weatherdance
Fountain on the pedestrian mall, the Literary Walk on Iowa Avenue, and the countless other murals,
sculptures, events, and other public art initiatives PAAC has fostered over the years. In short, since its
inception in 1997, the Public Art Program has played a huge role in crafting Iowa City’s sense of place.
More generally, a 2011 (update) study by Americans for the Arts found that nonprofit arts and culture
generated $79.8 million in total economic activity within the Iowa Cultural Corridor in 2010, where Iowa
City and Cedar Rapids are the dominant players. "Within the corridor study area, nonprofit arts and
culture organizations support 2,761 full-time equivalent jobs. That figure amounts to $52.4 million in
household income to residents and delivers $7.4 million in local and state government revenue." [Arts &
Economic Prosperity IV, 2011 Americans for the Arts.]
The impact of public art on a community is priceless and immeasurable. Public art is an essential
component of our distinctive cultural identity. It is the purpose of the Public Art Advisory Committee to
continue to sustain and grow our investment in the arts, the artists and their audiences in our city.
CITY OF IOWA CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND STRATEGIC PLAN
The IC2030: Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted May 14, 2013 includes an extensive
discussion related to Arts and Culture (see Exhibit A). Some specific references to the arts and
the public art program included in the plan are:
• “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.”
This Public Art Strategic Plan was developed to align with and provide more deliberate Action
Plans to move towards reach the Goals and Strategies for Arts and Culture as outlined in the
Iowa City Comprehensive Plan.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND RESPONSE
Steering Committee
The Public Art Advisory Committee convened 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 provided insights and suggestions of additional areas to be considered for
inclusion in the strategic plan.
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 survey outlined
below.
Online Survey
The feedback received at the public meetings was used to guide development of a Public Art Survey
that was made available online for public responses 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 visitors to
respond. Members of the Public Art Advisory Committee also participated in one-on-one canvasing of
visitors to the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall one Saturday afternoon.
SURVEY RESULT SUMMARY
Demographics
Overall response rate and interest in the survey
process was excellent. 500 responses were
received to the online survey with almost 100%
completion of each survey. Visitors to the library
completed 22 surveys and pedestrian mall visitors
completed another 23 surveys. Most respondents
identified themselves as someone who
likes/appreciates art. The age groups included a
nice balance with the lowest percentage (4.41%)
being the 18-24-year-old range and the highest
percentage (27.66%) being the 35-44-year-old age
group. Respondents also lived throughout the
community with most living in the Central District
(27%) and lowest percentage (1.4%) being from
the South-Central District. 7.8% of the
respondents were from outside of Iowa City.
0.00%20.00%40.00%
60.00%
80.00%
100.00%
My relationship to public
art is:
Responses
Un
d
e
r
1
8
18
-
2
4
25
-
3
4
35
-
4
4
45
-
5
4
55
-
6
4
65
+
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
35.00%
How old are you
Responses
Most Favorite and Least Favorite Public Art Installations in Iowa City
The most favorite by far with over 40% of the vote was the “Co-Exist” Mural on the Beadology Building
on Washington Street. The Weatherdance Fountain, Iowa Avenue Literary Walk and Goosetown Mural
were all close seconds. Write-in comments included the Pedestrian Mall Benchmarks project and
murals in general.
0.00%
5.00%
10.00%
15.00%
20.00%
25.00%
30.00%
Where do you live?
Responses
0.00%5.00%10.00%15.00%20.00%25.00%30.00%35.00%40.00%45.00%
Select your favorite example of Iowa
City public art:
Responses
The least favorite public art installation (according to 56% of the respondents) was Four Modular Piece
by Kenneth Snelson which is currently located in Terrill Mill Park. The sculpture will soon be relocated to
Riverfront Crossings Park – a setting that will better showcase the work which is one of the more
valuable pieces 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.
Role of Public Art
Almost 64% of the respondents said it should “beautify” the area. Another 54% felt it should “establish a
sense of place”. Least important were to enhance tourism/economic development and create social
change.
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
Select your least favorite example of
Iowa City public art:
Responses
0.00%10.00%20.00%30.00%40.00%50.00%60.00%70.00%
The role of public art is: (select
top 3)
Responses
Location of New Public Art
People wanted to see public art in a variety of locations particularly the downtown area, “unexpected
places”, parks and trails as well as public buildings. Buses and bus stops and along the river were least
preferred.
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
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
I want to see public art in: (select top 3)
Responses
8. More murals – 10
9. Involve community members/kids in creation of art – 10
10. Creation of a community art center – 8
The amount of input and enthusiasm that was exhibited in the responses to the survey demonstrates
that the citizens of Iowa City consider public art to be an important, if not critical component to the
quality of life in the community.
GOALS and ACTION STEPS
GOAL 1:
Through development of a Public Art Strategic Plan, seize the opportunity to 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 and reflects Iowa City’s current diversity, talents and resources.
ACTION STEPS
1A. Review and update existing policies and procedures for selection, installation, maintenance
and conservation of artworks in public spaces and civic facilities.
1B. Encourage people to see art in new ways, in unexpected places and spaces
1C. Encourage innovative projects and public arts activities that make Iowa City a public art
destination particularly by collaborating with other arts entities in the community.
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
2A. Conduct an inventory and prioritize potential areas for future consideration of public art
and arts activities throughout Iowa City, particularly in underserved areas; update annually.
1. Exterior sites include, but are not limited to, City parks, trails, the spaces surrounding City
buildings along city streets and in medians, and entrances to the city.
2. Interior opportunities include recreation centers, the library, and other City buildings and
gathering places.
2B. 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.
2C. 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 opportunities to showcase their work through
studio tours, neighborhood art festivals, opportunities to use facility space for the display of
artwork, etc.
2D. Expand the concept of public art with spontaneous arts experiences in non-traditional
settings.
2E. Develop and implement a policy for soliciting and accepting donations, memorial gifts or
loans of artwork and memorials.
2F. Continue to seek opportunities for temporary exhibitions of artwork throughout the
community both in public and private locations.
2G. Develop and prioritize opportunities to involve our large pool of talented, local artists.
GOAL 3:
Secure and manage funding to ensure an ongoing vibrant, sustainable Public Art Program as
well as ensure the care and maintenance of existing public art assets.
ACTION STEPS
3A. Develop a staffing and resource model to ensure that the goals of the Public Art Program
are achieved.
3B. Identify funding opportunities for supporting public art coordination, projects and
programming including, but not limited to, a line item for an annual appropriation for
realization of the Public Art Strategic Plan.
• HOTEL/MOTEL TAX SET-ASIDE
• PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PERCENT FOR ART- Enables development bonus
(density/height/etc.) if private developers provide a percent of total development costs
to be utilized for the arts. Currently available in the Riverfront 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
3C. Identify strategies to cover maintenance and conservation of public art.
1. Conduct a regular condition assessment of all the artworks in the city’s public art
collection to determine maintenance, conservation or deaccessioning needs.
2. Identify and secure funding to provide the necessary treatment and make those funds
accessible in a revolving fund to be available as needed.
3. Secure the services of a professional conservator for assessment and/or conservation if
necessary.
GOAL 4:
Collaborate with municipal, civic, nonprofit and private sector organizations to create
opportunities for public art.
ACTION STEPS
4A. 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.
1. Inform and involve City departments about the plans and potential for implementation of
the Public Art Master Plan and the Guidelines and Procedures for Public Art.
2. Identify and meet with key departments where public art partnerships and collaborations
can be developed, and identify opportunities for partnerships and collaboration on public
art projects at the time of construction or later.
3. Work with existing City committees considering wayfinding projects that may incorporate
artwork.
4B. 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.
4C. Support efforts by local arts organizations to create a community 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.
4C. Promote incorporation of public art in private development.
1. Encourage private developers to work closely with City staff on the potential value of
public art as part of their developments.
2. Explore the feasibility for an ordinance requiring public art in private development.
GOAL 5:
Build awareness and promote understanding about public art and the benefits of the arts in
general.
ACTION STEPS
5A. 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.
5B. Assemble and maintain a variety of communication and/or media networks to target
audiences of all ages and backgrounds for these messages.
IMPLEMENTATION
WORK PLAN – TO BE FINALIZED BY PAAC