237 Cities Applied to New Program Aimed at Supporting Temporary Public Art Projects

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Today, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced 12 finalist cities in the running to receive up to $1 million each as part of the Public Art Challenge, a new program aimed at supporting temporary public art projects that engage communities, enhance creativity, and enrich the vibrancy of cities. 

"Americans for the Arts applauds Bloomberg Philanthropies for recognizing the community-building value of public art in America," said Robert L. Lynch, president and CEO of Americans for the Arts. "Our Public Art Network and public art programs in over 450 communities work with artists and citizens annually to help make America’s cities, towns, airports, and public places more livable for residents, more attractive for visitors, and more understandable through the visual stories told. It is wonderful to see excellence in this work rewarded," he said.

Bloomberg Philanthropies invited mayors of U.S. cities with 30,000 residents or more to submit proposals for innovative temporary public art projects that address a civic issue, and demonstrate close collaboration between artists or arts organizations and city government. More than 230 cities submitted proposals for consideration in the Public Art Challenge, representing 68 million residents across the United States. Proposals cover a range of areas such as the revitalization of decayed downtown areas, underutilized waterfronts, and vacant neighborhoods. They also address other social themes including civil rights, neighborhood safety, environmental sustainability, and promoting city identity.

One of the finalists is the City of Gary, Indiana. The City proposes to take a vacant building in downtown Gary and transform it into a “cultural hub” that showcases visual and culinary arts and promotes urban revitalization. The proposed project will be led by the Chicago-based artist Theaster Gates. Gates, a successful artist who uses critical engagement, object making, and performance in his projects, will also be our keynote speaker at Annual Convention 2015! He is currently the Director of Arts and Public Life at the University of Chicago. 

Submissions were evaluated on their potential viability as dynamic public art projects, capacity to establish or strengthen public-private partnerships, inclusion of strong audience engagement strategies, and commitment to evaluating outcomes and impact on the host city.

The following 12 finalists have been invited to submit a full proposal:
 
1. Albany, Schenectady and Troy, NY – Breathing Lights
Illuminating the Need for Community Revitalization
 
2. Albuquerque, NM – Albuquerque’s Orphan Signs of Route 66 and Beyond
Engaging Youth and Local Artists to Enliven Barren Spaces
 
3. Atlanta, GA – Freedom Now
Highlighting Atlanta’s Civil Rights Legacy
 
4. Boston, MA – The Sapphire Necklace
Using Culture to Enliven the Harbor
 
5. Chicago, IL – Make Way for Art: Activating Chicago’s Public Plazas
Revitalizing Public Space through Art
 
6. Des Moines, IA – Listening to Water
Calling Attention to Local River Ecology and Urban Water Trails
 
7. Gary, IN – ArtHouse: A Social Kitchen
Connecting Food and Art to Develop a Cultural District
 
8. Grand Rapids, MI – SiTE:LAB – Rumsey Street Project
Revitalizing Vacant Structures for Art Performances
 
9. Hartford, CT – Subject Matter
Honoring and Inspiring Civically Engaged Citizens
 
10. Los Angeles, CA – CURRENT: LA River
Call to Action on Water Conservation Through Art
 
11. Maplewood, MN – Kid City
Empowering the Youth Community
 
12. Spartanburg, SC – Seeing Spartanburg in a New Light
Addressing Crime through Creative Partnerships
 
More information about the Public Art Challenge, including links to images and maps, can be found here.
 
More information about Americans for the Arts' Public Art Network can be found here