COLUMBUS, Ohio – The mayor of Ohio’s largest city has used his executive power to launch a public art program.
Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman established the $250,000-a-year program Tuesday and said he wants future designers to make it a priority.
“Public art is an essential component of a community’s cultural identity and vibrancy…I am ensuring that public art remains a priority for future design in the City of Columbus, and that our residents and visitors have unique monuments to enjoy for your years to come,” he said.
The city development department, which will administer the program, will identify art opportunities in consultation with the city service, public utilities, parks and finance offices and the Columbus Art Commission.
The move was met with a chorus of praise from City Hall to the arts community.
“I applaud Mayor Coleman for recognizing the transformative power of public art and look forward to a robust citywide public art program,” said City Council member Priscilla Tyson, owner of a local art gallery and a board member of the Greater Columbus Arts Council.
“With this executive order, Columbus joins over 400 cities nationwide that enliven their communities with public art through a funded program approach. The commission is thrilled that Columbus will have a structure for integrating art into public space design,” said Diane Nance, chair of the Columbus Art Commission.
Under the terms of the order, the commission must produce an annual report on the program and help develop a citywide public art master plan to be initiated and funded in 2015.
Qualifying public art may be a singular installation or something incorporated into a building, park or infrastructure project. Coleman used the Flowing Kiss public art installation last year at North Bank Park as an example.
The yearly Columbus Public Art Report will outline the progress of existing projects and establish working budgets and schedules for new ones.