Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

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The installation of public art is often a highly visible decision that can change the physical landscape of the community almost overnight. Consequently, advance planning and cross-sector collaboration have a role in mitigating political risk for decision makers. Alternatively, one strategy for the public art community may be to "start small" and introduce projects that generate positive outcomes. Various interest groups comprise "the public" in a small city and their support is important to the success of projects. Lindblom (1959) compares and contrasts two basic decision-making models. The Rational-Comprehensive (aka, Synoptic) Model is the scientific, objective process, while the Bargaining (aka, partisan mutual adjustment) Model relies more on an incremental approach, more common in a democratic political system. The development of public art policy benefits by significant cross-sector collaboration and citizen engagement. However, by design, this process is complicated and involves many interested parties. Consequently, a public arts initiative might never be as edgy and thought provoking as some stakeholders may desire, but on the other hand, the resulting installation may have a better chance of being accepted and embraced by the public at large. 1.6 Significance of the Study The significance of this study is that it focuses on public art initiatives in the context of the small city, and the role of the public administrator in the process. The study will add to the research of public administration and the role of the public administrator in facilitating cross sector collaboration in that context. In part, this study will also address the costs and benefits of public art initiatives in small cities. This will help answer the question"Is it worth it?" for community officials and public administrators seeking to embark upon a public art initiative. 21