Mayor Coleman Announces Public Art Program
MEDIA
RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 4, 2014
For More Information:
John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798
Realizing the need for a formal public art program in the
city of Columbus, Mayor Michael B. Coleman today signed an Executive Order to
establish the Columbus Public Art Program, with a minimum annual budget of
$250,000. City Councilmembers as well as
members of the Columbus Art Commission were on hand for the signing.
“Public art is an essential component of a community’s
cultural identity and vibrancy,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman. “By signing
this executive order I am ensuring that public art remains a priority for
future design in the City of Columbus, and that our residents and visitors have
unique monuments to enjoy for years to come.”
The program will be administered by the Department of
Development. Development will work with
the Department of Public Utilities, Public Service, Recreation and Parks, the
Department of Finance and Management, and the Columbus Art Commission to
identify art opportunities and manage the city’s public art collection.
“Public art enhances the quality of life in a community,”
said Councilmember Michelle M. Mills, chair of the Development Committee. “It can inspire and challenge us as a city to
achieve greater heights while adding value to our public spaces.”
Public art could include singular installations like the
Flowing Kiss public art installation last year at North Bank Park, or pieces
incorporated into major city building, park and infrastructure projects. The city will work with the Columbus Art
Commission to develop an annual Columbus Public Art Report that will
outline the progress of existing public
art projects and establish working budgets and schedules for newly identified
projects. The Art Commission will also
work with the city to develop a citywide public art master plan that will be
funded and initiated in 2015.
“With this Executive Order, Columbus joins over 400 cities
nationwide that enliven their communities with public art through a funded
program approach,” said Diane Nance, chair of the Columbus Art Commission. “The
Commission is thrilled that Columbus will have a structure for integrating art
into public space design and looks forward to working with the Mayor, Council
and staff on establishing a municipal public art program.”
The announcement of the new program has already generated
excitement and garnered support in the Columbus arts community.
"The Mayor's Executive Order is an important step in
making public art a permanent and visible part of the fabric of the Columbus
community," said Tom Katzenmeyer, President of the Greater Columbus Arts
Council. "The Arts Council looks forward to working with the City and the
Columbus Art Commission to ensure broad artist engagement in the program and to
foster opportunities for the larger community to engage in the dialogue about
public art."
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