HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 2003-70RESOLUTION NO. 2003-70
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, ADOPTING THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN
HILLS PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills (the "Town
Council ") adopted Resolution No. 1997 -44 on September 4, 1997, designating the Fountain Hills
Arts Council (the "Arts Council ") as the official representative of the Town in all matters dealing
with the promotion of public arts within the Town of Fountain Hills (the "Town "); and
WHEREAS, the Arts Council established the Fountain Hills Public Arts Committee (the
"FHPA Committee ") to administer its public art program and to develop the Town's public art
master plan to set forth community -wide goals on matters relating to public art and community
aesthetics; and
WHEREAS, the FHPA Committee has developed the Fountain Hills Public Art Master
Plan (the "Plan "), attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council desires to approve the Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA, as follows:
SECTION 1. That the Town Council hereby adopts the Plan in the form attached hereto
as Exhibit A.
SECTION 2. That the Mayor, the Town Manager, the Town Clerk and the Town
Attorney are hereby authorized and directed to take all steps necessary to carry out the purpose
and intent of this Resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY the Mayor and Council of the Town of Fountain Hills,
Arizona, November 20, 20W.
FOR THE N O OUNTAIN
J. Nich s, Mayor
REVIEW Y:
............
Tim G. Pickering, Town Man er
9196.0011Resolutions12003 -70 Art Master Plan.res.doc
11- 12 -03 -1
ATTESTED TO:
APP OVED AS TO FORM:
t
Andrew J. McGuire, Town Attorney
Q.
Town of Fountain Hills
Public Art Master Plan
(insert torn logo)
Adopted XXXXXX XX, 2003
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Table of Contents
Introduction
History of Public Art
Contemporary Examples and Funding Sources
History of Fountain Hills
History of Art in Fountain Hills
Art Opportunities and Sites
What is Public Art?
Guidelines for Art Site Selection
Project Priorities
Program Administration
Roles and Responsibilities
Selection Process
Purpose of Guidelines
Primary Methods of Acquisition
Criteria for Evaluating the Acceptability of Artwork
Policies and Procedures for Acquiring Art through Purchase or Artist Selection
Selection Methods
Policies and Procedures for Accepting Gifts, Bequests and Loans-of Artwork
Additional Information
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Introduction
History of Public Art .
Public Art has long played an important role in expressing the identity} of a
culture and what it felt like to live in time and place the art was created. In mane
cases, public art is the legacy by which we remember an ancient culture.
In ancient Greece, for example, public art was prominent in the form of statues
and great temples. The grand architecture of the cathedrals inspired awe in
medieval worshippers, while commemorative statues of horse - mounted generals
spoke of the illustriousness of a single person.
Public art has been a part of the American landscape since. Colonial times.
Statuary and commemorative sculpture were the dominant types of artwork
celebrating the significant achievements of American public figures and historic
events.
Contemporary Examples and. Funding Sources •
After the establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts in 1965, the field
of public art underwent significant change. As more and more cities adopted
"percent for art" ordinances, public art has evolved from a process that placed V
large -scale versions of studio sculpture into unrelated spaces. Todav, art is
routinely integrated into the surroundings it is placed in, often becoming part of
building or structure itself.
In cities like Seattle, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Miami and others, artists
working in the public realm became more involved in the design of public spaces
- working closely with architects, landscape architects and engineers. The result
was the use of art to shape a new public space, not just enhance an existing one.
In Seattle, Phoenix and Scottsdale, the art went one step further. It has become
an integral part of civic infrastructure: bridges, waste treatment plants, freeways,
parks, sports complexes and other projects.
Funding for contemporary public art h( .ome in large part from "percent for
art" ordinances. Additionally, public art is funded through local, state and
federal grant programs. Corporate sponsorships as well as private donations,
from individuals and foundations, also play a major role in funding public art.
History of Fountain Hills
The area where the current community of Fountain Hills now stands has a rich
history. About 800 years ago, the area where the Salt and Verde Rivers meet was
Page 3 Public Art Committee Proposed Master Public Art Plan
home to between 4000 and 10,000 Hohokam Indian. Through most of the 20t1,
Century, much of the area was known as the P -Bar Ranch. In 1968, the ranch
was sold to the McCulloch Oil Corporation.
The community's founding birthday is considered December 15, 1970 when the
"-�mous "World's Tallest Fountain" was turned on for the first time.
Construction of the first homes began in late 1971, with the first residents moving
in in early 1972. Fountain Hills was officially incorporated on December 5,1989.
Through the past thirty years, Fountain Hills' reputation as a beautiful place to
retire and a great place to raise a family has increased the population to more
than 20,000 permanent residents.
During its growth, art has played a major function in attracting people to
Fountain Hills. Events like the Great Fair, special concerts with the Phoenix
Symphony and a jazz festival have brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to
town.
History of Art in Fountain Hills
In March 1994, after attending the annual Southwest Arts Conference in
Scottsdale, Joan Behrens, Sara Hammond and Jackie Miles met with then
Community Center Director Evelyn Breting to discuss the possibility of forming
a local arts council for the purpose of promoting the work of local artists,
musicians, writers, thespians and dancers and to help these individuals become
aware of one another through local networking activities.
-In October 1994, the Town of Fountain Hills and the Civic Association
commissioned a community cultural assessment, sponsored by the Arizona
Commission on the Arts. Nearlv fifty citizens participated in either the open
forum or in the surveys collected. Our community's strengths and challenges
were discussed, and four key issues were identified.
• The need for a cultural center facility with performance, gallery and
meeting space
• A need for an arts council to provide leadership for cultural growth
• A need to involve the arts in community design and planning
• A need for youth services including after school and summer programs
The Arts Council bylaws were formally adopted in March 1995. The Council's
stated purpose is to enhance the quality of Iife in the Fountain Hills area by
developing, supporting and promoting the visual, performing and literary arts.
Since the Council had no money to begin with, the ad hoc committee decided to
eliminate the costs of incorporation fees, liability insurance and office facilities by
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serving at least temporarily under the umbrella of the Civic Association, a
501(c)(3) organization.}
Through the 1994 Cultural Assessment, a clear need for a public art committee
was-recognized. In 1997, the Fountain Hills Arts Council was designated as the
authorized agency of the town for the development and promotion of public arts.
Resolution 1997 -44 recognized the value of public art to the town. It authorized
the Arts Council make grant applications, to deal with state and federal agencies
and to accept donation on behalf of the town in all public art matters. The Arts
Council tasked its public art committee as the primary group responsible for
carrying out the resolution. In September 1998, the Arts Council accepted a
"Vision for Public Art in Fountain Hills ". This vision statement prioritized
public arts projects as discussed later in this document.
In 2002, there were 150 paid members of the Arts Council. The Council is
governed by a 26- member board of directors representing various community
arts and cultural organizations. In addition to membership fees, activities are
funded through donations, grants and fund - raising sales.
The public art currently in place in Fountain Hills falls under three main
categories: pieces acquired through the efforts of the FHAC and the Public Art
Committee; community fountains; and privately owned art in public spaces. A (�
complete listing is included in Appendix B of this document. v
Examples of pieces acquired by through the efforts of the Fountain Hills Arts
Council and the Public Art Committee include:
• Precious Cargo by Jason Napier
• A Good Book by Mark Lundeen
• Flower Dancing in the Wind by Jerry McKellar
• Community Center Signature piece by Red Wolf
• Brothers by Dr Paul Russo
Fountains are what this town is famous for - with the World's Tallest Fountain
as our towns symbol. Several other fountains line the Avenue of the Fountains,
including Sip and Splash by James Haire.
Many playful sculptures are sprinkled throughout the Fountainside Plaza, an
example of privately owned art in public spaces. The Bronco Buster by
Frederick Remington and the Coppertree on the Avenue of the Fountains are
two other examples of private business owners enhancing our community with
art.
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Art Opportunities and Sites
All public art within or on property owned by the Town of Fountain Hills shall
adhere to the guidelines of the Fountain Hills Public- Art Meister Plan.
In addition, the Fountain Hills Public Art Committee is prepared to offer public
art counsel and guidelines to public art located on private property as included
in the following definition:
What is Public Art?
Public Art is defined as the work of a visual artist located in a publicly accessible
space. Public art includes, but is not limited to, paintings, murals, statues,
stained glass, fiber art, relief or other sculpture, fountains, arches and other
structures intended for ornament or commemoration, carvings, frescoes, mosaics,
mobiles, photographs, drawings, collages, prints, landscape art, and crafts, both
decorative and utilitarian. Public art may be temporary or permanent in nature.
Public art projects may also include visual or landscape artists serving on design
and development teams to identify opportunities and approaches for
incorporating artwork or aesthetic concepts into Town building and visible
public improvement projects.
Guidelines for Art Site Selection
Before identifying specific sites or priorities, the following basic criteria for
choosing potential art sites should be applied. When evaluating potential art
sites or opportunities to involve artists on a design team for larger projects, it
should be asked whether art at a particular location has the ability to:
• Reveal a unique or special quality about Fountain Hills
• Enhance the daily routine of the commuter, pedestrian, worker or resident
• Contribute to awareness of Fountain Hills' history and cultural identity
• Add aesthetic quality and interest to Fountain Hills' infrastructure
• Serve as a landmark or place -maker
• Engage the public in an entertaining, educational, or contemplative way
• Make a statement about the identity, character or values of a particular
area or community within Fountain Hills
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Project Priorities
The Fountain Hills Arts Council and the Public Art Committee have identified
the following projects as priority sites and public arts projects
1. Fountain Hills Community Center: The priority project within the
community center is the signature piece - a mural created by Red Wolf located in
the lobby. This project is scheduled for completion in Spring 2003. Additional
projects within the Center have been identified for placement in the lobby; the
seminar and conference rooms; the ballroom patio area; and the vending /break
room. The complete text of the recommendations, along with a map is included
in the appendix.
2. Community Plaza: The community plaza, located in front of the community
center and the library /museum complex, shall be developed into a facility of
exceptional quality to serve as the community's downtown center for culture and
commerce. It will incorporate a rich variety of public art that will enhance
community identity and promote the appreciation of art in Fountain Hills and
the surrounding area. Art '11 be integrated into the public structures and
overall design, which shall include shade, water features and lighting. It will be.
a user - friendly gathering place for residents and visitors, and shall provide for
special events.
s
Other projects given high priority, but wi 'thout p ecific p lans include:
1. Avenue of the Fountains/ Downtown Development
2. Fountain Hills Parks
3. Main Thoroughfares
Program Administration
Roles and Responsibilities
The Fountain Hills Arts Council is the parent organization of the Fountain Hills
Public Arts Committee. The FHA has assigned to the FHPAC the responsibility
to administrate its public art program, including policies and guidelines; provide
oversight of development of public art projects; and supervise maintenance and
conservation of the Town's art collection.
The President of the Fountain Hills Arts Council selects the committee chair. In
turn, the chair designates the committee members. The committee shall be
comprised of an odd number of not less than nine or more than thirteen
members. Committee members shall be members of the Fountain Hills Arts -j
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Council. Subcommittees may be formed as needed, with additional volunteer
help beyond the members of the committee as needed. Regular attendance to
committee meetings is important for the administration of programs. Committee
members who fail to attend on a regular basis will be reminded in writing of this
requirement.. Failure to respond is a basis for terminating committee
membership.
The FHPAC, together with the Fountain Hills Arts Council, strives to create a
cultural community climate where diverse public art experiences and activities
can thrive. It should recommend community -wide goals and directions to the
Town Council on all matters pertaining to public art and community aesthetics.
To accomplish the above responsibilities, the Fountain Hills Public Art
Committee should: .
• Develop a Fountain Hills public art master plan
• Determine methods of selecting artists, public artworks, and locations of
those artworks
• Recommend Town Council action regarding the acquisition and disposal
of all works of art acquired through the public art program, whether on
loan or as a gift or purchase
Accept, receive and dispose of works of art on behalf of the Town after
• approval of the Town Council
• Determine community support for public art and search for ways to
encourage and expand that interest
Selection Process
These Guidelines are intended to govern the acquisition and acceptance of art by
the Fountain Hills Arts Council on behalf of the Town of Fountain Hills for its
public art collection. The Guidelines also outline the process for reviewing and
evaluating works of art under consideration for the Town of Fountain Hills
Public Art Collection, to determine the suitability of artwork, appropriate
locations for possible installation, and evaluating future maintenance and safety
requirements.
Purpose of Guidelines
The purpose of these Guidelines is to ensure that:
• public art acquired by the Town of Fountain Hills is of the highest quality
• it enhances the aesthetic character of the community's public spaces
• it advances the public understanding of art
it does not place an undue burden on the Town for the artwork's
maintenance, security or public safety.
Page 8 Public Art Committee Proposed Master Public Art Plan
Primary Methods of Acquisition
Public art is acquired through two primary methods:
• By the active procurement of a specific work of art or the selection of an
artist for a specific project.
• As the result of a gift or loan whereby the Town becomes a beneficiary. .
Both methods present unique requirements and. concerns. Consequently, the
protocol for each must be somewhat different. For this reason, these guidelines
have been organized in two sections:
1. Policies and procedures for acquiring art through purchase or artist
selection
2. Policies and procedures for accepting gifts, bequests and loans of art.
if matching funds are used to acquire the artwork, the purchase guidelines are to
be followed.
Criteria for Evaluating the ptabiiity of Artwork
method of .dsition certain, fundamental criteria that will be
Regardless of them , 1
universally applied to any work of.art under consideration:
• Artistic merit
• Physical condition of the artwork
• History and provenance of the artwork
• Compatibility with the Town's public art program and collection
• Availability of an appropriate location for siting on Town property
Requirements for installation, storage, and maintenance
• Liability considerations and issues of public safety
Policies and Procedures for Acquiring Art through
Purchase or Artist Selection
The Fountain Hills Arts Council will follow principles adopted and utilized by a
majority of public art programs in. the nation, generally understood as. the
independent panel review process. This is a comprehensive review - and - approve
procedure identifying, ranking and recommending public art purchases and
selected artists. The process begins with the Public Art Committee, moves to the
Arts Council Board of Directors, and is finalized by the Fountain Hills Town
Council.
1. The Public Art Committee will identify potential art projects or art purchase
opportunities. Working with appropriate town departments, commissions and
Page 9 . Public Art Committee Proposed Master Public Art Plan
c�
"errs,
citizens, the Committee will bring forward to the Arts Council Board potential
projects and /or purchase opportunities for consideration.
2. The Arts Council Board will decide which projects or purchases will be
recommended to the Town Council. The Fountain Hills Town Council will have
the final decision on which projects or purchases will be undertaken.
3. If the Town Council approves an intention for a project or purchase, the Public
Art Committee will assume the role of an independent selection panel. The
Committee will review all submissions and rank order two finalists. If matching
funds are used, equal representation from all funding sources shall comprise the
independent selection panel.
4. Due to their size, complexity, or monetary value, some projects or purchases
may require certain expertise outside the scope of the standing Public Art
Committee. On such occasions, the Committee will enlist the services of
individual arts and design professionals, engineers, and artists to assist in the
selection process.
5. The Public Art Committee will maintain records of all its deliberations, and
will provide a comprehensive report to the Arts Council Board for each project or
purchase, including the panel's initial selection recommendation.
6. The Public Art Committee will make its recommendation at regular meeting
of the Arts Council Board of Directors. The agenda for this meeting, including
the Public Art Committee's report, will be published in the local newspaper and
posted at the Fountain Hills Community Center, so that members of the public
may have adequate notice and opportunity for comment. This meeting of the
Arts Council Board of Directors will be the primary vehicle for participation in
the process by members of the general public.
7. The Arts Council Board will review the panel's "first choice" recommendation.
Should the Board not approve the panel's "first choice," they may vote to a)
award the project to the second - ranked finalist, or b) refer the matter back to the
panel for further consideration.
8. Should the Arts Council Board approve the recommendation of the Public Art
Committee, their action will be *forwarded to the Town Council for consideration
in a Consent Agenda. The decision of the Town Council may be appealed, in
writing, within ten business days. Following any such appeal, the subsequent
decision of the Town Council is final.
Page 10 Public Art Committee Proposed Master Public Art Plan
9. Upon Town Council approval of any public art project or purchase, the Public
Art Committee will contact the selected artist or artist's agent. The Committee
will prepare a contract covering the entire scope of work to be performed, and
specifying all fees to be paid, including those for any travel expenses, shipping
and /or installation charges. A copy of this contract will be given to the Town
Attorney for review prior to presenting it to the artist or agent.
10. Working in cooperation with appropriate Town of Fountain Hills staff
and/or commissions, the Public Art Committee will assume responsibility for
project management: overseeing the purchase, shipment and installation_ of
selected art work, or the design, fabrication and,installation _ of a_ commissioned
Pr91e�S,. .
11. According to the payment schedule stipulated in the contract, the Public Art
Committee will be tesvonsible,for_psaYJ ►�11 vroipct fees in a timelv fashion.
12. Upon completion of the purchase or project, the Public Art Committee will
arrange a public dedication and formal transfer of ownership to the Town of
Fountain Hills.
Selection Methods
There are a variety of commonly accepted methods used by public art programs
for identify and selecting artists or works of art. The Public Art Committee will
choose the most appropriate method for a given project or purchase from among
the following options:
Open Competition: This method offers opportunities in which any professional
artist is eligible to enter. A Project Profile, an announcement with information
about the project, will be circulated, requesting artist proposals for review by the
selection panel.
Invitational or Limited Competition: This two- staged competition calls for
artists to submit qualifications (slides and documentation of past work) for the
selection panel's consideration, instead of a proposal. The panel selects three to
five artists* to visit the site and develop detailed proposals or to participate in an
interview process. The artists may be paid for their proposals and site visits
based on a percentage of the project budget. The panel then reconvenes to select >
an artist and /or proposal.
Direct Selection and Nominations. In this method, the panel selects one artist on
the basis of slides and /or documentation of past work. The pool of work
reviewed can be solicited through a call -to- artists or by using an existing artist
slide bank. The artist is selected based on one review and a contract is negotiated
for the development of a proposal.
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Direct Purchase. A method that results in the purchase of already completed
artworks, based upon the panel's recommendations. Available artworks are
assembled by the Public Art Committee for the panel's review using a call -to-
artists or an existing slide bank.
Policies and Procedures for Accepting Gifts, Bequests and
Loans of Artwork
This process begins with the Public Art Committee, moves to the Arts Council
Board of Directors, and is finalized by the Fountain Hills Town Council.
Immediately upon receipt of an offer, the Public Art Committee will provide the
prospective donor with a copy of these Guidelines.
The Review Process
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1. Eligible offers of artworks from artists, owners, businesses, organizations,
individuals or other entities shall be submitted by the donor to the Public Art
Committee of the Fountain Hills Arts Council for proper processing. Eligible
offers shall include the following elements:
• A Letter of Intention stating that the donor wishes to donate, loan and /or
bequest an artwork to the Town. The donor may suggest the artwork's
placement on Town properly.
• A written description of the artwork, including a definition (i.e., painting,
sculpture, fabric hanging, etc.); medium the date created; the name and,
if possible, a resume of the artist who created the artwork; its dimensions;
physical condition, and anv relevant background information about the
artwork and the artist.
• The name, address and phone number of the prospective donor.
• Visual documentation of the artwork. (i.e., color photographs,
35 mm slides, videotapes, etc.)
• Donor may be asked to provide additional documentation to verify
originality and legal title to the work.
2. As soon as possible thereafter, the Public Art Committee will schedule a
review of the offer, notifying the prospective donor in writing of the date and
time for the review. The prospective donor will have an opportunity to make a
brief informational presentation to the Public Art Committee.
3. Upon reviewing and examining the artwork and evaluating the proposed gift,
loan and/or bequest according to the criteria detailed below, as soon as it is
practicable, the Public Art Committee will make a recommendation to the
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Fountain Hills Arts Council's Board of Directors regarding acceptance or non-
acceptance of the artwork. v
4. * The Fountain Hills Arts Council will consider the recommendations of the
Public Art Committee during a meeting- of its Board of Directors, at which time,
public comment can be heard.
5. The Atts Council will forward its recommendation of acceptance to the
Fountain Hills Town Council.
6. In the event that.the Arts Council declines an offer, the donor may appeal the
decision to the Fountain Hills Town Council.
7. The Town Council shall accept or decline the artwork'for the Town. The
Public Art Committee will formally notify the prospective donor of the Town
Council's decision in writing.
Additional Information
Prospective donors should understand that artwork-would not be accepted by
the Town with attached conditions or restrictions, except in extraordinary
circumstances, which will be noted and approved by the Public Art Committee
in advance of the acceptance. Neither the Public Art Committee nor the Town of
Fountain Hills is obligated to accept bequeathed items that in its opinion would
be inappropriate in the Town's public art collection. No object will be accepted
for the Town's art collection if ownership is in question. Art objects will be
accessioned only when they have been collected, exported and imported in full
compliance with the laws and regulations of the country or countries of origin,
and with the laws and regulations of the Town of Fountain Hills, Maricopa
County, the State of Arizona and the United States. Under no circumstances will
individuals of the Arts Council, Public Art Committee or Town staff give
appraisals of art objects.
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