Approved by Mayor Henry and the Fort Wayne City Council in March 2018, the newly-established Fort Wayne Public Art Program enriches the lives of residents and visitors by integrating the work of professional artists into public spaces throughout the community.
Purpose of the Program
Enliven and enhance the city through the promotion and integration of artworks into the public realm and assist with city-led beautification efforts. The secondary purpose of the program is to serve in an advisory role to private property owners who wish to integrate artworks in the development or improvement of publicly-accessible private property.
Goals of the Program
- Enhance the visual environment of public spaces for residents and visitors.
- Strengthen the positive reputation, brand, and stature of the City of Fort Wayne and its neighborhoods.
- Promote and support programs for tourism, cultural exchange, and goodwill.
- Promote distinctive and diverse artwork that communicates the community’s sense of spirit, identity, and pride.
- Improve access to the arts for all citizens of the city.
- Create opportunities for inclusion, engagement, and civic dialogue among diverse citizens of the city.
- Commemorate the community’s collective memory and history.
- Promote and support the economic development and vitality of the community.
- Commemorate the community’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity.
- Celebrate and advocate for artists and the important role that they play in our community.
About the Public Art Commission
The Public Art Commission is a 13-member volunteer advisory body that will govern the City’s Public Art Program, and, as requested, advise other entities on public art projects. We are currently accepting and reviewing Commission appointments. Applications for Selection Committee members and ex-officio advisors are also being accepted.
The Commission will be comprised of the following representatives:
- Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne (President or appointee)
- Artlink (Executive Director or Appointee)
- Fort Wayne Museum of Art (President and CEO or appointee)
- University of Saint Francis School of Creative Arts (Dean or appointee)
- Purdue University Fort Wayne College of Visual and Performing Arts (Dean or appointee)
- City of Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation (Executive Director or appointee)
- City of Fort Wayne Department of Planning and Policy (Deputy Director or appointee)
- Two (2) residents appointed by the Fort Wayne City Council. Representatives must be residents of Fort Wayne.
- Two (2) representatives appointed by the Mayor of Fort Wayne. Representatives must be residents of Fort Wayne.
- Two (2) practicing artists or design professionals appointed by the other members of the Commission. Representatives must be residents of Fort Wayne.
Arts United’s Role
In addition to providing advocacy for the program and appointing a Commissioner, Arts United also serves as a fiscal agent for private philanthropy for public artwork. If you would like to learn more about making a contribution for public art, contact:
Heather Closson
Vice President of Community Engagement, CAP LLC
hclosson@artsunited.org / 260-424-0646
Thank you for subscribing! You will hear from us soon.