Title
Presentation and Possible Approval of Revised Art in Public Places Board Policies and Guidelines
Recommended Action
I move Council approve the revised Policies and Guidelines for the Art in Public Places Board as presented.
County Manager's Recommendation
The County Manager recommends that the Council approve the revised Policies and Guidelines for the Art in Public Places Board as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Art in Public Places Board unanimously approved these revisions on May 22, 2025 and recommends Council approval.
Body
In accordance with its enabling legislation (County Code Section 8-33-6) the Art in Public Places Board (APPB) is tasked with recommending policies and procedures that are necessary to effect the purpose of the APPB’s tasks and responsibilities, subject to the approval of Council.
The last revision of these policies and guidelines was approved by County Council on August 30, 2016.
Since it had been some time since the last revision, the document was thoroughly reviewed and updated.
-- Minor additions and changes:
1- Revised Terminology: Replaced the term “stakeholder(s)” with “public and community members” throughout the document.
2- Public Comment for Art Acquisitions: Introduced a new criterion of "public comment" for the Board to consider when acquiring artwork.
3- Cataloging in the Public Art Archive: Included a paragraph detailing that all pieces in the collection will be cataloged in the online Public Art Archive database to reflect current practice.
4- Research on Artwork Uniqueness: Added a subparagraph under Donations specifying that the Board should conduct research to evaluate the uniqueness of potential artwork donations.
5- Maintenance, Repair, and Restoration of Art: Expanded the section on Maintenance, Repair, and Restoration to include guidelines for maintaining agreements with cleaning and maintenance service contractors.
6- Plaques and Identification Signs: Revised the Plaques and Identification Signs section to eliminate specific APP standards, making it more general to align with the County’s current standards. This ensures consistency across all plaques and signs and prevents the need for revisions if County standards change.
7- Exemption Language Update: In Appendix B regarding donations of art, updated the second exemption to include “other County Divisions” instead of just the “Library Division,” broadening the applicability.
-- Major Policy Changes to the Acquisition Section: this supports more comprehensive and thoughtful planning for each public art project.
1- Project Working Group Requirement: A working group must be established at the start of each proposed project to guide its development.
2- Introduction of a Formal Project Plan: The working group is responsible for completing a comprehensive Project Plan, enhancing transparency and accountability. This plan will define key objectives, estimated budget, timeline, artist selection method, and expected deliverables.
3- Expanded Acquisition Methods: Acquisition methods now include: artist invitation, direct selection, and open calls in addition to purchasing or commissioning.
4- Guidance on Method Use: The revised policy outlines when an acquisition method is appropriate, with documented justification required in the Project Plan.
Two items that were considered, but not included in these policies, are appraisals and purchasing authority. The Attorney’s Office has reviewed and approved these revisions. Katie Thwaits attended the January 23, 2025 APPB meeting to answer and address board members’ questions and concerns.
Alternatives
Council could choose not to approve the document and send it back to APPB for additional revisions.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
There is minimal fiscal or staff impact.
Attachments
A - APPB Policies and Guidelines revision presentation
B - APP Policies and Guidelines FINAL approved by APPB 5-22-25
C - APPB Policies and Guidelines approved by Council 8-30-16