Title
Rosa Parks RTS Downtown Station Public Art (B)
This item involves a request by the Art in Public Places Trust to designate an artist to create public art for the Rosa Parks RTS Downtown Station
Explanation
In 1989, the City of Gainesville adopted a per cent for art ordinance (per Chapter 5.5 of the Gainesville Code of Ordinances) that states, "each appropriation for the original construction or major renovation of a city building where public employees work on a regular basis or that the general public uses shall include an amount of at least one percent of the total construction budget for the art in public places trust."
The mission of the Art in Public Places Trust is to enhance the quality of the visual environment in the Gainesville community, both natural and built; and doing so, add to the quality of life and raise the level of citizen awareness of the importance of aesthetic experiences in their everyday lives.
The Art in Public Places Trust Advisory Board, including RTS Marketing and Communication Specialist and Senior Marketing & Communications Specialist, issued a Call for Artists to select the public artist for the Rosa Parks RTS Downtown Station. The designated space for the project allowed for lighting, tile, panels and paving of the artist's design, choice and materials. The theme was left to the artist's discretion, but the artist could choose to use the title of the station (Rosa Parks) as inspiration for the design.
This public art project will enhance the aesthetic quality of the busy downtown bus station for those who use its services everyday. The artwork will be accessible and contribute to Gainesville's community pride.
On November 4, 2009, the City of Gainesville Rosa Parks RTS Downtown Station Art in Public Places Trust, selected three finalists: John Golightly, Charles Sharrod Partin and Alan Pearsall. After listening to public presentations by the three finalists on December 2, 2009, the Trust unanimously selected artist Alan Pearsall for the commission. John Golightly was ranked second and Charles Sharrod Partin was ranked third. Alan Pearsall's dynamic presentation successfully combined art with history. He researched the story of Civil Rights and translated it into a powerful mural design for the transfer station's columns.
Fiscal Note
$16,391.08 is budgeted for the Rosa Parks RTS Downtown Station Project. 20% was transferred to the Administration budget to cover finalist stipends and overall program costs. $13,000 is the total art project budget designated and advertised for the commission.
Recommendation
The City Commission approve the designation of artist Alan Pearsall to create public artwork for the Rosa Parks RTS Transfer Station.
Alternative Recommendation:
The City Commission deny the designation of Alan Pearsall to create public artwork for the Rosa Parks RTS Downtown Station.