Agenda Item Name:
Title
Use of Reserves for Art in Public Places - west lawn and south wall
End
Presenter:
Gina Peebles
Description:
Seek approval to use General Fund Reserves for the acquisition of art for the west lawn and south wall of the Administration Building. Also, allow Procurement to issue a Call to Artists for these art pieces.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve the use of reserves as funding and grant Procurement permission to issue a Call to Artists to acquire art for both the west lawn and south wall within FY20.
End
Prior Board Motions:
June 25, 2019 - Approval of the Arts Council of Alachua County Strategic Plan, which includes funding for the West Lawn Statue in the amount of $25,000.
April 16, 2019 - The Board had a general discussion during their April 16 Budget meeting about the statue, the status of the Call to Artists, and its funding.
May 23, 2017 - refer to the County Manager for recommendations on the following:
1. To Proceed with the empowerment of art review group as described and bring it to the Board as soon as it is ready.
2. The budget for the art will be discussed during the budget process.
3. The artist Search is not restricted to local artist community.
4. A Public Hearing should be held in the evening at the next convenient date so those citizens can propose concepts for the art. The Board is not looking to recognize/honor individuals, specific political concepts, or historical events but more of a concept of idea that is uplifting for everyone.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Use of General Fund reserves ($40,000) for these projects in conjunction with $20,000 General Fund already budgeted in FY20 in Special Expense.
End
Background:
As part of the FY20 budget process, the Board included $20,000 for 2 art projects at the Administration Building- the west lawn (where the Confederate Soldier used to be) and a mural on the south wall. A call to artists was issued, but no appropriate responses were received. The County Manager determined that additional funds are needed to secure quality art and artist interests.
As part of the FY21 budget process, a request was made for additional funding. During the departmental budget meetings with the County Manager, it was determined that this would be a beneficial thing to accomplish during FY20, instead of delaying any further, especially due to funding. Approval of this item secures the funding and approval to pursue the acquisition of art for these 2 project within FY20.