Policy:

Public Art Policy Initiative

What makes a city memorable?  While a strong economy, clean air and natural resources rank high, many people choose to live in or visit a place for its cultural ambiance. The arts build our sense of civic pride and enrich the quality of our lives.

The Center's Public Art Policy Initiative was undertaken to address the lack of coordinated policies to guide the regional public sector's involvement and investment in public art.  The Initiative's Task Force (made up of representatives from the community as well as from a broad range of city, county and regional entities) reviewed existing public art infrastructure, success stories and failed or flagging projects to identify the priorities critical to the successful creation and support of public art.  The Task Force looked at permanent works of art, such as murals, sculptures, and memorials; temporary installations and events, including sidewalk displays, parades and festivals; and integrated artworks such as artist-designed stairs, railings, and other architectural components.

Results of the Initiative were presented to the Minneapolis City Council and Hennepin County Board of Commissioners as a first step in promoting the adoption of consistent and coordinated policy.

Publications available:

A Framework for Public Art and Design

Public Art Fact Sheet - research provided by Forecast Public Artworks