Love, Hate, and Public Art How does BOSTON come to terms with public art?

publicartboston.com

@publicartboston

We think we might want to see other people.

Through our publicly displayed artworks, we invite people into a conversation about our style, our heroes, our values, and our intellectual struggles.

As a community, Boston has been experiencing some significant cultural shifts and this can be seen in the artworks local artists and arts organizations have been installing throughout the city. It can also be seen in all the public dialogue that has recently sprung up around public art.

The Boston Art Commission (BAC) is composed of a small staff who works with a board of volunteer arts experts appointed for 5-year terms to review applications for public art and promote new public installations while preserving and protecting the community process. The Art Commission also works to preserve our existing collection and provide information and educational materials to the public.

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The BAC is also in a transitional period. We recently updated our ordinance, appointed

two new members (three more to go!), elected a new chair and vice-chair (both ladies!),

and formed sub-committees (funding & permitting) - all to respond to public desire for

more art.

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It’s not us, it’s you. And you. And you…

Os Gêmeos’ The Giant of Boston

Sometimes the drama is exciting.

(photo © Geoff Hargadon)

George Zisiadis’ Pulse of the City

Sometimes it touches our heart.

(photo © George Zisiadis)

Sometimes it doesn’t feel quite right…at all.

Relationships take work.

The BAC’s STRATEGY is to increase early engagement and provide

transparency:

o Art Commission public meetings

o new ordinance: increase diversity of BAC expertise

o community driven permanent process

o exploring city driven projects: Dudley, Symphony, Liberty Tree

o partner with existing arts organizations

o encourage temporary installations

o update policies: permanent, temporary, funding streams,

maintenance, insurance, etc.

o website: bios, guidelines, upcoming, concepts for public input

o social media presence

And we know what we need.

For the BAC to be able to do the kinds of

projects that people want now, we actually

need to start commissioning them.

Recently the City started doing this by

investing significant capital funds in three

public art projects for the new Dudley

Municipal Center…including one to be

created by a BPS student!

It’s exciting! But it’s also important to think

creatively about how we are going to fund

these types of projects in the future.

We’re ready to take this to the next level.

Dear New Mayor,

The Art Commission, like public art, should reflect Boston. And we are

ready to grow with Boston. We’re on our way there, but we can’t do it alone.

Public art, like love, isn’t easy or uncomplicated. Going forward, we are

looking forward to the establishment of an Arts and Culture office. We’re

happy that we both want the same thing. We are also excited to explore new

funding models to help us get the exciting art that Boston truly deserves.

xoxo

But will you love us tomorrow?

Tatyana Fazlalizadeh’s Stop Telling Women to Smile Ann Hirsh’s Bill Russell Legacy Project Florian Dombois’ Talking Towers: uboc No. 1 and stuVi2 Lisa Greenfield and Daniel van Ackre’s Starry Night

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