Agenda - Council Work Session - 04/25/2023

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ARTISTS AS CONTRIBUTORS Providing a public art ecosystem supports artists and other creatives by validating them as important contributors to the community. REASONING: A public art ecosystem resonates with artists and other creatives as a visual reminder that they are embraced by a community. Artists bring innovation and problem -solving wherever they go, which strengthens America's competitiveness in the global mar- ketplace, and plays an important role in building and sustaining a vibrant economy. Artists provide valuable contributions when they are included in the planning of public spaces and ameni- ties with planners, engineers, designers, elected officials, and community stakeholders. Artists bring their creative skills and interpretations to each idea, site, social construct, and aesthet- ic potential. These conversations generate creativity in others inspiring an inventive result. Artists become civic leaders advo- cating through art for alternative perspectives that can challenge assumptions, beliefs, and community values. EXAMPLES: ■ When Indianapolis developed their 2017 Riverside Park Master Plan, an artist's contributions to the planning team worked out so well that the parks and recreations department hired another artist to be on the planning team for the Broad Ripple Park Master Plan in 2018. In Madison, Wisconsin The Blubber @ Madison Public Library provides the community with access to artists and art in the forms of programming, exhibitions, and more —this provides a space for learning and reflection. For example, their teen pro- grams develop art and aim to provide "relationship building, basic skill development, and connection to the community" "Every Poems for City Sidewalk" re -imagines Saint Paul's annual sidewalk maintenance program as an ongoing pub- lishing entity for a city -sized book of poetry. Created by one artist, it allows for the self-expression of many local artists as it addresses beautification of infrastructure. In Boston's Artist -in -Residence (AIR) program, artists, commu- nity members, and city employees work on projects that help reframe social conversations. These artists explore the ways they can use art and media to improve and bolster city initia- tives. They also search for ways to make artistic social practice a part of government and community work. Artist LaShawnda Crowe Storm as part of the planning team for the Riverside Park Master Plan in Indianapolis, IN. Photo credit: Ratio Architects.