Williamsburg Public Art Council

City of Williamsburg Agenda Williamsburg Public Art Council Meeting Monday, October 30, 2023 @ 3:30 PM Stryker Center (Room 127), 412 N Boundary St, Williamsburg, VA 23185 Page I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES a. September 25, 2023 - WPAC Minutes 2-4 WPAC - September 25 2023 Minutes - draft III. CHAIR'S REPORT IV. STAFF UPDATE a. CODASummit 2023 b. Public Art Plaques c. 2024 Calendar 5 WPAC - 2024 Meetings V. OLD BUSINESS a. Midtown Row Fall Festival VI. NEW BUSINESS a. Consideration and Approval of WPAC Application Revisions 6-7 WPAC - Proposed Changes to Application for Funding and Approval WPAC - AIS - Application Revisions b. Public Art Plan & Goals 8 - 11 WPAC - Public Art Plan - Goals - Working Doc VII. MURAL PROGRAM AT MIDTOWN ROW a. Marquee Wall - Consideration and Approval of a Mural Design 12 - 13 Muro Design - Color Variations WPAC - AIS - Approval of Mural Design at Midtown Row VIII. NEXT MEETING a. The next meeting is Monday, November 27, 2023, at 3:30 pm in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. IX. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 13 The Williamsburg Public Art Council met at 3:30 pm, Monday, September 25, 2023, in room 127 at the Stryker Center, 412 N Boundary Street, Williamsburg, Virginia. WPAC members present: Robert Currie, Pat Dent, Rachel Trichler, Scott Spence, Barbara Vollmer, Sally Wolfe, Harold Philipsen, Barbara Ramsey WPAC members absent: None Staff members present: Joanna Skrabala (Tourism Development Specialist) Others present: Hannah Warner (Midtown Row) I. Call to Order Mr. Currie called the meeting to order at 3:33 pm. II. Approval of Minutes a. August 28, 2023 – WPAC Minutes Ms. Wolfe made a motion to approve the August 28 minutes and Ms. Ramsey seconded. All approved with the exception of Mr. Philipsen who abstained. III. Chair’s Report a. Local Partnerships Mr. Currie reported that he and staff met again with Lee Matney of the Matney Gallery to discuss potential collaborations. Mr. Currie said that staff would connect Mr. Matney with Midtown Row to discuss possible temporary or pop-up exhibits. Mr. Currie also said that Asa Jackson of the Contemporary Artists Network still has an interest in a collaboration. Ms. Ramsey asked how one would facilitate the sale of artwork during a pop-up exhibition and Ms. Skrabala suggested that involving someone like Mr. Matney would help to manage that component. Mr. Currie also said he would like to work more with William & Mary. Ms. Skrabala said getting groups like the Matney Gallery to work directly with Midtown Row could enable them to apply for WPAC funds. Page 2 of 13  Mr. Philipsen asked what WPAC should be doing to help and Mr. Currie said discussions about expenses would need to take place first. He said there were several models to consider. Ms. Ramsey said she thought this was a good idea, but all of it would be contingent on budgets. She also suggested looking back at the public input survey to see what the public would like to see. Mr. Currie said he would look at drafting a plan and budget to review. IV. Staff Report a. Public Art Plaques Ms. Skrabala requested funding for three public art plaques in Midtown Row, costing no more than $1,200. Mr. Philipsen made a motion to approve the funding and Ms. Ramsey Seconded. All approved. b. Great Williamsburg Adventure Race Ms. Skrabala reported that there was the possibility that the WPAC would be invited to create an activity for the Great Williamsburg Adventure Race scheduled for the morning of Saturday, October 28. She said the activity could be very simple and utilize existing materials – like the paper butterflies. Ms. Skrabala said she would let the group know what is decided. V. Old Business a. Midtown Row Fall Festival Ms. Skrabala asked the group for additional comments and feedback about participating in the Fall Festival at Midtown Row (Saturday, November 11). She said she discussed it with Hannah Warner and confirmed that Midtown Row could put together a giveaway basket for a selfie contest. Staff and WPAC members would be present to promote the contest, murals, and the WPAC itself. She said she would gather more details from Ms. Warner to present at the next meeting. VI. Mural Program at Midtown Row a. Marquee Wall – Mural Design Review & Discussion Mr. Currie reminded the group how the design came to be. He said the artist’s (Muro) first artwork was vetted by himself and staff and that it did not work for what the WPAC was trying to accomplish. Mr. Currie said he brainstormed some additional ideas to give to Branded Arts and the artist and thought of the lantern iconography. Muro’s new designs were then presented, and the majority of the group liked the version that was more abstract and less literal. The group questioned the wall’s existing metal structure and Ms. Skrabala said that while it cannot be removed, it can be incorporated into the design and be painted over. Page 3 of 13  Ms. Trichler said she would prefer to see colors that were less primary. Ms. Skrabala said they could request different color variations. At this time, Ms. Trichler brainstormed additional ideas for future projects and sited examples from Copenhagen and the High Line in New York. Ms. Ramsey shared images of painted stairs. Mr. Currie said it would be ideal to have a piece that was the reason for visitation (i.e. the “bean” in Chicago). The group agreed it would be beneficial to have a central platform that could house these ideas. VII. Next Meeting The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 30, 2023, at 3:30 pm in Room 127 at the Stryker Center. VIII. Adjournment Mr. Spence made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 4:46 pm and Ms. Trichler seconded. All approved. _______________________________________________ Scott Spence, Secretary Page 4 of 13 Page 5 of 13  - Williamsburg Public Art Council - Proposed Changes to the Application for Funding/Approval ORIGINAL Established in 2021, the Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC) advises Williamsburg City Council on the acquisition, donation, commission and/or funding of public art, the acceptance of gifts and loans of public art and the deaccession of public art from the City’s collection. This WPAC application is specifically for Grant Funded/City Sponsored Art on Private Property. If you would like to install public art on your property, please complete this form. Prior to submitting your application, review the General Guidelines & Criteria for Art Submissions. What's happens after your application is submitted? 1) Staff and WPAC Chair review the application for eligibility 2) The application goes to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for a courtesy review (See ARB website for meeting dates and application) 3) The application goes to the WPAC for a final review If you have any questions, please contact Joanna Skrabala. REVISED Established in 2021, the Williamsburg Public Art Council (WPAC) advises Williamsburg City Council on the acquisition, donation, commission and/or funding of public art, the acceptance of gifts and loans of public art and the deaccession of public art from the City’s collection. This WPAC application is for Grant Funded/City Sponsored Art. If you would like to install public art on your property or have a proposal for public art on City property, please complete this form. Prior to submitting your application, review the General Guidelines & Criteria for Art Submissions. What's happens after your application is submitted? 1) Staff and WPAC Chair review the application for eligibility 2) The application goes to the WPAC for review and/or approval 3) The application goes to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for a courtesy review (See ARB website for meeting dates and application) If you have any questions, please contact Joanna Skrabala. Page 6 of 13 Meeting Date: 10/30/23 Staff Contact: Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Development Specialist Agenda Item Wording: Consideration and Approval of WPAC Application Revisions Background Information: In 2021, a subcommittee of the WPAC developed an application for public art on private property. After an individual approached the City with a proposal to develop public art on City property, it was determined that the application needed to be revised to meet these needs by including language about City-owned property. Previous Action: None Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends the WPAC approve the application revisions to include language about public art on City-owned property. Sample Motion: I move that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve the revisions to the application for funding and/or approval of public art on both City-owned and private property pursuant to City Council Ordinance #21-01 and Resolution #21-03. Page 7 of 13  WILLIAMSBURG PUBLIC ART COUNCIL Guide to Strategic Policy and Long-Term Planning ENABLING LEGISLATION On February 11, 2021, as an initiative of the Williamsburg City Council, the Williamsburg Public Arts Council (WPAC) was created to curate a public art program. WPAC is tasked to engage in a review process, funding strategies and planning for a public art program, and is enabled through City Ordinance #21-01. ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND The Williamsburg Public Art Council is organized to: • Advise the City Council on the acquisition, donation, commission and/or funding of public art • Advise on acceptance of gifts and loans of public art and any deaccession of public art from the City’s collection • Develop policies regarding determination of artist qualifications, criteria specific to site attribution, maintenance of public art • Develop a plan for the broad implementation of a robust public art program • Administer public art grant programs on behalf of the City Council • Solicit public art and donations to acquire public art according to the authorization of City Council • Provide an annual report to the City regarding WPAC activities, to include fund expenditures, grants issued, and status of awards, art inventory, maintenance and general status of the public art program WPAC members are engaged as a qualified advisory group for all program areas and types to include planning, design, artistic practice, public policy, and local government consult. STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS The planning process is being initiated following early WPAC discussions regarding review processes for proposals. Discussions of organizational vision were also held, and public opinion was sought through surveys and dialog with public art administrators in a wide demographic area. It is the intention of the WPAC that this plan shall serve as a working document and guide to support a Public Art Program for the City of Williamsburg that provides enrichment for the community and its visitors highlighting the beauty and unique character of the City, its culture and history and to promote community connection. APPROVED SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 Page 8 of 13  STRATEGIC PLAN 2022-2025 MISSION To curate a program of public art that enhances the innovative and creative environment that celebrates the City’s past, present, and future, reflects the community’s identity, and advances Williamsburg as a world-class destination. VISION To sustain an accessible, inclusive, and engaging program of public art that speaks to the unique lifestyle and cultural vibrancy of the Williamsburg community which inspires a sense of pride and belonging. VALUES • Public art increases economic vitality • Public art is thought-provoking and inspires people to explore, connect, and pause within a physical space that speaks to the beauty and unique character of the City • Public art supports the education and celebration of the City’s past, present, and future through collaboration with community leaders and organizations • Public art stimulates the mind and heart, broadens the imagination, communicates a wide range of creative ideas, and promotes a sense of belonging • Public art should be fully accessible, inclusive, and diverse GOALS I. Develop policies and processes that support a dynamic public art program for the community, its businesses, and its visitors II. Identify suitable areas for public art, carefully evaluating the compatibility and environmental harmony of the art and its surroundings III. Cultivate a thriving arts community through engagement with artists, policymakers, and the public IV. Employ public art to enhance placemaking, create impactful experiences, and contribute to community cohesion APPROVED SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 Page 9 of 13  FY24 FY25 Ongoing I. Develop policies and processes that support a dynamic public art program for the community, its businesses, and its visitors. ACTION ITEMS • Develop an annual budget to invest in, support and maintain public art projects • Collaborate with City Council and other municipal agencies to consider impacts of public art projects • Select installations that celebrate Williamsburg’s past, present and future • Determine appropriate plans for asset management and acquisition, consulting with trained staff as necessary • Set high standards to enhance our community’s quality of life II. Identify viable areas and projects for public art, carefully evaluating the compatibility and environmental harmony of the art and its surroundings. ACTION ITEMS • Conduct a Site Mapping program and identify locations and opportunities that are suited to creative installations • Adapt review processes to consider suitability of diverse types of public art projects, such as: Ephemeral/non-Permanent: Works that fall apart or degrade Curated: Pre-designed for a specific site Applied: Murals/sculptures that are building-mounted, highly visible, and large Integrated: Pavement/Building facades. Art made around a surface at hand Stand Alone: Sculpture/large structure. Site specific. Ex. Sculpture garden Multi-media: Audio/visual • Leverage the expertise of Art Council members to review all public art project proposals and artist qualifications III. Cultivate a thriving arts community through engagement with artists, policymakers, and the public. ACTION ITEMS • Initiate an arts outreach program and compile a directory of diverse artists and curators in multiple concentrations APPROVED SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 Page 10 of 13  • Establish and sustain open communication with community organizations and the general public to encourage partnerships and inclusion • Conduct forums to share information, ideas, and expertise IV. Employ public art to enhance placemaking, create impactful experiences, and contribute to community cohesion. ACTION ITEMS • Advance economic development opportunities through public art projects and special events • Utilize the public art program to reflect the identity of the entire community • Broaden the community’s awareness of arts and culture APPROVED SEPTEMBER 26, 2022 Page 11 of 13 MISTOWN ROW MURAL – MARQUEE WALL - MURO DESIGNS (Round 3) Variation 1 Variation 2 Variation 3 Variation 4 Variation 5 Page 12 of 13 Meeting Date: 10/30/23 Staff Contact: Joanna Skrabala, Tourism Development Specialist Agenda Item Wording: Marquee Wall - Consideration and Approval of Mural Design Background Information: The Williamsburg Public Art Council contracted with Branded Arts to manage the design and installation of a mural on the “marquee” wall in Midtown Row – alongside Marshalls, facing Monticello Avenue. Branded Arts provided a list of artists and Muro was selected. At the September 25 meeting, the WPAC was presented with two design options and chose the more abstract design but requested different color variations. Staff sent the WPAC the updated designs via email for review. Previous Action: At its December 2022 meeting, Williamsburg City Council voted to award the Mural Curation Services contract to Branded Arts in the amount of $50,000. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends that the WPAC select a design to move forward. Sample Motion: I move that the Williamsburg Public Art Council approve <insert design name> by artist Muro for installation on the Marshalls wall facing Monticello Avenue, located at 1252 Richmond Road, Williamsburg VA, pursuant to City Council Ordinance #21-01 and Resolution #21-03. Page 13 of 13