The concept is to run a city wide promotion/contest for artists to submit work that will be installed for a temporary/long-term placement within a public space. A stipend would be paid to the selected artists to pay for installation, finishing and a small amount of compensation. Ideally, the space will complement a visible office complex or high trafficked retail center. The ideal scenario is to place the art within an environment that is attempting to create a contemporary brand or image.
Ideally, the sculptures will be large enough to draw attention to the space and creates a unique atmosphere. The art would be securely placed in front of lots and at corners in parking lots, and even along walkways in planters/pedestals. (Lovers Lane shopping center in Dallas, next to the Inwood Theater tastefully has sculptures placed along the retail strip.)
There is a project in Frisco, Texas called Newman Village that is doing a similar project. They are branding their new home community as a blend of family and art and have four area artists who have placed art for a one year stint in their community area for a stipend to the artists. The community and home builder received local and national news exposure including an AP national story.
Details:
- Initially accept 10 artists
- 2,500 prize money for each artist.
(This covers installation and price of piece – permanent installation) - Maybe make it a 2-3 year installation and rotate art. -
Build permanent pads for the art. - Form a committee (news worthy) to judge/pick the art.
(This should include the shop owners, a prominent gallery owner, maybe the mayor…)
Benefits:
The initial investment should be recouped by news coverage and publicity equal to the artist installment investment. (At Newman Village the marketing director felt the national AP story that covered their art project was worth at least 100K.)
Such a project promotes the area, draws attention to the neighborhood and the businesses. Such a project is a direct investment in the art community and the city at large. Public art can positively brands an area and creates destination driven traffic.
