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

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Research Question 7 Why should public administrators or communities invest limited resources into -facilitating public art projects? In short, the public art helped the city to attain its goals. For example, all communities considered public art as a means to build a unique vision and image for their community, and also a means to enhance the city's physical beauty and interest for residents and visitors alike. Public administrators have a role in making public art accessible on both a physical and cultural level for `the public.' Some respondents noted that public art, because of its place in the public square, has an obligation to be understood and appreciated by a wider audience, not just by those having a sophisticated art or cultural background. All communities recognized that public art generated significant public awareness, conversation, and opportunities for residents to participate in art. Even though resources are limited, all communities contributed significant "soft cost" of staff time in planning, promoting, and implementing public art in their communities. One mayor used the term `return on investment" to indicate that the benefits of public art exceeded the cost of public art in the community. Research Question 8 and 9 Do the outcomes derived, either by the process, or by the artwork itsel, provide e e e measurable value to the community? How is that value perceived and measured? Two of the subject communities had previously conducted economic impact studies that made a positive economic argument for public art. These same two communities also made annual budget allocations to public art, and considered public art as a part of their strategic plan. 146