ANDERSON TOWNSHIP
PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP BOARD OF TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES Kenneth G. Dietz Joshua S. Gerth R. Dee Stone Andrew S. Pappas
TOWNSHIP ADMINISTRATOR Vicky L. Earhart
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PLANNING AND ZONING STAFF Paul J. Drury, AICP, Director Sarah Donovan, AICP Brad Bowers, AICP PJ Ginty, AICP Candidate
WETHRIVE! PUBLIC ART PLAN SUBCOMMITTEE Erinn Cox Andrea Granieri Lindsey Griffis Pinky Kocoshis Ken Kushner Dee Stone Susan Wheatley, Chair Joe Wicker Maria Zigmunt
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: A VISION FOR PUBLIC ART IN ANDERSON
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CHAPTER 2: ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
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OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC ART PROGRAM FRAMEWORK FOR GROWTH
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CHAPTER3: PRIORITY ACTION PLAN
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CHAPTER 4: PUBLIC ART PROJECTS FOR INSPIRATION
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
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Anderson Township has determined that public art will be at the center of its identity. The Anderson Township Public Art Master Plan lays out a vision for public art in the community that will be strategically executed throughout the entire Township. The framework in this plan is a strategy for the establishment and operationalization of the Public Art Program. The strategies contained in this plan propose ways to ensure public art in Anderson is transformational, unifying, and is representative of the spirit of the Township and its residents.
VISION
The Anderson Township Public Art Program is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of high-quality public art from artists with various backgrounds, working with the community to enhance public space, and enriching the lives of all who call Anderson home.
The vision for public art in Anderson Township is one that is supported by strong policy and guidelines that are detailed in the Appendix of this plan. The Strategies for Growth create a framework for how to accomplish the vision of the community. This plan is just the first step in realizing the power of public art in Anderson. It is in the execution that Anderson becomes a place known for its creativity and dedication to public art and exceptional public spaces.
SUMMARY OF STRATEGIES Operationalization of the Anderson Township Public Art Program STRATEGY 1: Establish the Anderson Township Public Art Program through the creation of the Public Art resolution. STRATEGY 2: Adopt funding mechanisms to provide sustainable funding to the Public Art Program. Framework for Growth STRATEGY 1: Invest in iconic public art throughout Anderson in existing public spaces. STRATEGY 2: Invest in public art along the Anderson Trails Network. STRATEGY 3: Partner with local organizations to launch a mural program in Anderson. STRATEGY 4: Enhance Anderson’s roadways through a variety of public art investments.
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CHAPTER 1: A VISION FOR PUBLIC ART IN ANDERSON TOWNSHIP
Core to the identity of Anderson Township is one idea- intentionality. In that spirit and through many community conversations with leaders and members of the public, the following vision components were created and should be used to ensure alignment with community priorities. Future public art projects throughout the Township should seek to satisfy as many components of the vision as possible.
VISION The Anderson Township Public Art Program is dedicated to presenting a wide variety of high-quality public art from artists with various backgrounds, working with the community to enhance public space, and enriching the lives of all who call Anderson home.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES Anderson’s Public Art: • Creates a strong sense of place that provides opportunities for community interaction; • Celebrates accessibility, inclusivity, and representation within the community; • Enhances assets such as parks, corridors, and commercial spaces; • Strengthens the brand and identity of Anderson Township; and • Supports the high quality of life in Anderson by injecting creativity and inspiring new ideas. Art in public places provides meaning to public spaces, reflects the history of the people who live there, adds uniqueness to neighborhoods, and humanizes the built environment. Public art lives at the intersection between our past, present, and future, and also has the power to transform a place because public spaces gain social, economic, and cultural value through public art. Anderson Township is committed to developing a strong public art program and this plan is an important first step in creating the foundation for the program to grow upon.
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PUBLIC ART: A SHARED DEFINITION Public Art means a work of art that is visible and accessible to the public for a minimum of 40 hours per week. Public art may include sculpture, painting, installations, photography, video, works of light or sound, or any other work or project determined by the Township provided that none of the following shall be considered public art for the purposes of satisfying the requirements of this Chapter: 1. Objects that are mass produced of standard design, such as banners, signs, playground equipment, benches, statuary, street or sidewalk barriers, or fountains; 2. Reproduction, by mechanical or other means, of original works of art, except as incorporated into film, video, photography, printmaking or other derivative works; 3. Decorative, architectural, or functional elements that are designed by the building architect or landscape architect as opposed to an artist commissioned for this purpose; or 4. Landscape architecture or gardening, except where these elements are designed by an artist and are an integral part of a work of art.
TYPES OF PUBLIC ART SCULPTURE Whether contemporary, avant garde, traditional or something more, sculptures are often the focal points of civic art. Sculptures may commemorate and celebrate our history, express civic pride, or be established as culturally-defining showpieces for the Township. Sculptures can take on many shapes and sizes and often fit well when created in or alongside gateways, parks, gathering spaces, and community centers. Because communities can celebrate and enhance their civic identity, they are especially appropriate in parks and downtown settings.
MURALS
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While curating permanent works of art as part of the collection is important, ephemeral works such as murals allow for the exposure of many artists over a short period of time rather than a few artists over a long period of time.
FUNCTIONAL ART Anderson is focused on improving the infrastructure to facilitate added use by residents. Due to the ongoing investment in infrastructure in the Township, there is an opportunity to implement uniquely Anderson designs in place of otherwise ordinary pieces of infrastructure. Integrating one-of-a-kind designs into infrastructure may be an affordable and efficient way to create a major visual impact. Some possible options for functional art installations include bike racks, benches, signal boxes, medians, transit stops, storm drains, manholes, installations within parking garages, highway detail, highway gateway signage, monument signage, sidewalk treatments and more.
LIGHT INSTALLATIONS Contemporary artists use lighting in creative and interesting ways in order to manipulate the built environment with limited physical impacts. Light installations may be used on existing buildings, in parks on substantial landscape features, or as part of a larger installation of sculpture. They may be especially useful and impactful when used in infrastructure projects.
MULTIMEDIA Multimedia installations may combine many art types in ways that expand the imagination. Video, lighting, sculpture, murals, and more can be combined to make multimedia installations some of the most interesting around. Multimedia installations are especially useful for temporary or pop-up installations.
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SITE-SPECIFIC Site-specific art is created to enhance and celebrate its surroundings in which an artist considers the site first before anything else. Site-specific art uses the surroundings to enrich the experience of the place itself. It can help to tell the story of the location, neighbors or residents, convey cultural or historical significance, or simply exist to elevate the site.
POP-UP & TEMPORARY ART Art can be long-lasting, or it can be something experienced for a short period of time. Though temporary art is not intended to live for a generation, it can have a lasting impact on a community by creating a sense of surprise and joy in unexpected places. Temporary art can be done inexpensively and easily, provide opportunity for additional artist engagement, and it can be a small investment for a huge impact. In whatever form, its short lifespan gives energy to the space and drives excitement among the community. Temporary art invites collaboration, be it with local schools or community groups, and creates opportunity for the artwork to evolve with the community.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATORY ART Participatory art is more focused on the creation of an art piece than any of the typologies listed above. Specifically, a piece is made by the community to enhance and celebrate its process and participants. Collaborative art pieces use people to enrich the experience and heighten the feeling of pride and ownership.
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LOCATIONS FOR PUBLIC ART The following locations are listed as examples of places public artwork could be sited in. They are not listed in order of priority and future exploration should occur before placement begins. Exact locations, scale, and themes (if appropriate) should be determined before soliciting artists to create artwork for these locations. Placement of art within any property not owned by Anderson Township will require the permission of the owner.
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP OWNED FACILITIES
GATEWAY OPPORTUNITIES:
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Anderson Center Heritage Center Anderson Senior Center Anderson Fire Stations Bicentennial Green at Bauer Preserve Anderson RecPlex
ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PARKS • • • • • • • • •
Julifs Park Clear Creek Park Beech Acres Park Veterans Park Riverside Park Kellogg Park Laverty Park State and Nagel Park W.M. Johnson Hills Park
GREAT PARKS OF HAMILTON COUNTY • Woodland Mound Park • Withrow Nature Preserve • Little Miami Golf Center
Kellogg Gateway Clough Pike at Eight Mile Road Beechmont Avenue at the Little Miami River The interchange at Five Mile Road and I-275 Four Mile Road Underpass
UNDERUTILIZED PIECES OF RIGHT-OF-WAY: • • • •
Anderson Township right-of-way Ohio Department of Transportation right-of-way Hamilton County right-of-way Retaining wall at Five Mile Road and Markley
TRAILS OR TRAILHEADS: • Five Mile Trail • Ohio River Trail • Little Miami Scenic Trail
COMMUNITY ATTRACTIONS NOT OWNED BY ANDERSON TOWNSHIP: • Anderson Township Historical Society and the Anderson Urban Farm • Library • Post Office • Schools
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CHAPTER 2: ESTABLISHING THE ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC ART PROGRAM 12
Through the following strategies, Anderson Township will formally establish the Public Art Program. The Program will be governed by sound and transparent policies and procedures that will ensure continued success for the program.
OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC ART PROGRAM STRATEGY 1: ESTABLISH THE ANDERSON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC ART PROGRAM THROUGH THE CREATION OF THE PUBLIC ART RESOLUTION. In order to establish a successful Public Art program, Anderson Township will adopt the following policies: Collection Management Policy, Donation of Public Art Procedures, and a Policy and Procedure for Maintenance. In addition, the Township will adopt guidelines for murals, public art on private property, and follow guidance for administration of the program contained in the Administrative Guide. The aforementioned policies and guidelines will do the following: • Establish a definition for public art; • Create a Public Art Acquisition Account; • Develop processes for public art to be commissioned; and • Adopt the Public Art Master Plan. The following policies are integral to the success of the Anderson Township Public Art Program. Each policy directs a specific aspect of the Program and ensures the Township is following consistent procurement practices, maintaining its commissions through long-term planning and maintenance, governing the program with strong public trust, and providing clear direction for artists, private developers, and donors to follow when participating in the program. The proposed policy and guidelines can be found beginning on p. ___. PUBLIC ART PROGRAM INTRODUCTION This policy establishes the mission, vision, and guiding principles for the program as well as overall definitions for the policy. View on p. 8 of the Appendix. COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POLICY This policy establishes the management practices of artworks acquired through the solicitation and donation processes. These pieces are considered part of the Township’s Permanent Collection and must be cared for in accordance with the Policy and Procedure for Maintenance Policy and the Collection Management Policy. The Collection Management Policy is intended to maintain the value of the Township’s Permanent Collection and guard against inappropriate disposal of any of its pieces. View on p. 10 of the Appendix.
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DONATION POLICY This policy establishes the donation process for artworks not commissioned by Anderson Township. Each proposed donation must come with a plan to fund and deliver ongoing maintenance, or the resolution accepting the public art must identify how maintenance of the donated public art will be funded. Donation requirements, responsibilities of the donating party, and the process for donating a piece of public art are outlined in this policy. View on p. 14 of the Appendix. MAINTENANCE POLICY This policy establishes the procedure for maintenance of the future art collection. Direction for surveying the collection, working with future artists to establish a maintenance plan for any commissioned work, and inspection guidelines are included. View on p. 19 of the Appendix. ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDE The Administrative Guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of citizens, Township staff and elected officials in the development, funding and implementation of Anderson Township Public Art Program. The Plan provides guidelines and requirements for the development of an annual Public Art Work Plan, the funding and acquisition of public art, the selection of artists and artwork, the implementation and conservation of the Anderson Public Art Collection. View the Administrative Guide on p. 2 of the Appendix. MURAL GUIDELINES The Mural Guidelines offer guidelines for both publicly-owned murals on public and private property and consider the process for approval. The guidelines consider the ownership of the building in which the mural will be sited. View the Mural Guidelines on p. 22 of the Appendix.
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STRATEGY 2: ADOPT FUNDING MECHANISMS TO PROVIDE SUSTAINABLE FUNDING TO THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM. In order to achieve the vision of the community for public art in Anderson, sustainable funding is needed. There are many options for funding a municipal Public Art Program and several factors were considered when determining the best mechanism for Anderson Township. Considering a single traditional funding mechanism would likely not yield the funds necessary to achieve the vision set forth in this Plan, therefore a series of funding mechanisms are recommended to establish a Program that has lasting impact. In order to fund the conceptual projects found in Chapter 4, $100,000.00 should be allocated annually from the established TIFs within the Township until all of the conceptual projects are completed. In addition, a voluntary percent for art in private development should be adopted as a funding mechanism with the understanding that this policy will not yield significant funding for public art. These two strategies will yield momentum for the Public Art Program, building energy and support for future investment. Factors considered when determining suitable funding mechanisms: • How adoption of selected funding mechanisms will impact other municipal expenditures; • Specific legislation needed to adopt the funding mechanism; and • How much funding each mechanism will generate over time. FOR IMMEDIATE ADOPTION Utilize TIF Districts to Fund Public Art in Two Ways Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is a public financing method that is used to support redevelopment, infrastructure, and other community improvement projects throughout Anderson Township. Through use of the TIF, the municipality is able to divert property tax revenue increases from the defined area toward specific projects. Currently, Anderson has five TIF districts in which public art could be funded. Utilizing generated TIF dollars for public art within existing and future TIF Districts is a way to fund public art projects within each district. Ensuring the artwork is fixed in nature, visible to the public, and permanent is integral to the ability to use TIF funding to implement public art.
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The second opportunity to capitalize on TIF Districts for funding public art is to require an application fee or processing fee. This fee is usually a percentage point of the total value and should be deposited back into the TIF before spending the generated funding on public art. These two strategies should be used to fund both the conceptual projects contained in Chapter 4 and to fund public art projects not contained within the chapter. Projects outside of the conceptual projects should focus on investment in the locations outlined in Chapter 1. Voluntary One Percent for Public Art in Private Development Some communities have seen success with a voluntary percentage for art in private development. Anderson Township should develop a program housed within the Planning and Zoning Department that strongly encourages developers to undertake one of the following: Option 1: Include public art on the development site valued at approximately one (1) percent of total project cost, including construction and land. (this 1% of development cost is in the midrange set by municipal governments across the nation.) Option 2: Make a cash contribution of equal value (approximately 1% of the total project cost) to the public art acquisition fund which is administered by the Township for acquisition or commission of public art on publicly-owned sites or for other public art related purposes.
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FOR FUTURE CONSIDERATION The following mechanisms should be explored in the future as development patterns change. Percent for Art in Private Development The public art requirement applies to all private non-residential development projects throughout the Township and all residential development projects with more than 10 units, including new construction, or the renovation or improvement of an existing building where 50% or more of a building is being modified, renovated, expanded, rebuilt or improved by construction. The public art requirement for any single project shall not exceed $100,000. All applicable private development must elect one of the following assessment methods and submit a completed art requirement application and provide a copy of the total construction costs as indicated on the construction contract(s) within 90 days of the issuance of the first building permit or site work permit for a subdivision plat for any portion of the project: Option 1: On-site Artwork. A. Submit documentation evidencing the escrow of funds for an art feature valued in an amount not less than 1% of the total construction costs. B. Submit an application for approval of the art feature to the Planning and Zoning Department. Option 2: Contribute to the Anderson Township Public Art Acquisition Fund. A. Contribute an amount equal to 80% of the 1% of the total construction costs for deposit to the Anderson Township Public Art Acquisition Fund. Location of Artwork if Option 1 is selected: Artwork must be located in an exterior place defined as any place, public or private, outdoor and exterior to buildings or structures and exposed to public view, including, but not limited to, buildings, parks, right-of way medians and open spaces. Percent for Art in Anderson Township Long-term TIF Projects Percent-for-art programs encumber a percentage (usually .5 to 2) of publicly funded capital improvement projects per year for the commissioning of public artworks, which will usually be sited in, on, or adjacent to the building or project being constructed. Percent-for-art resolutions guarantee a funding stream for public art projects regardless of what happens to municipal budgets or arts funding. The policy also guarantees that public art projects will be planned each year, as long as long term TIF projects are underway and municipal construction continues. Anderson Township should dedicate 2 percent of these projects projects per year to the Public Art Program.
TYPES OF POTENTIAL PROJECTS TO INCLUDE PUBLIC ART WITHIN: • New roads • Streetscape Projects • Fire and Police Stations • Parks operated by the Township (not operated by the Parks District) • Township Facilities
GRANTS Given the generosity of the Anderson community, the Township’s contribution should be leveraged to access grant dollars locally and nationally.
All capital construction projects qualify except the following: regular road maintenance, underground infrastructure and underground utility projects with no above-ground components other than roads. Projects with underground infrastructure including utility projects should be included when there are visual elements of the project above ground. The total budget of the project should include all underground components.
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Percent for Art in Anderson Township Parks District In addition to considering a percent for art program for qualifying capital improvement projects, the Township should work with the Anderson Township Parks District to advocate for 2% of all new parks budgets be dedicated to the commissioning of new public art for the Park. The Parks District operates with the assistance of resident tax dollars and is levied every ten years. A majority of the operating budget is allocated for maintenance of existing parks, so this mechanism would only yield money for public art when new parks are proposed. Employing multiple funding options over time achieves a number of goals: provides funding in the early years of the program projecting success early in the Program’s existence, engages the private development community in both a voluntary percent for art in the immediate term and considers a requirement in the future, proposes a future percent for art in all large public projects, and recognizes potential contributions achievable through grant funding (many grants require a contribution, or matching dollars). Having a multi-pronged approach shares responsibility for funding, and targets investment to well-used public spaces and to specific projects and makes the vision outlined in the Plan more likely to be achieved through a variety of partnerships.
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FRAMEWORK FOR GROWTH
Strategically investing public art dollars early on in the program will project success of the program and will inspire continued investment both by the Township and the private sector. The following strategies should be considered as the Program begins and funding is available.
STRATEGY 1: INVEST IN ICONIC PUBLIC ART THROUGHOUT ANDERSON IN EXISTING PUBLIC SPACES. An investment in large-scale commissioned artwork is an essential step in developing a public art program and will project early success of the program. Locations vary in type, but all are prominent locations throughout the Township. A mix of large-scale sculpture and intimate small-scale work will create varying landscapes and different points of interest for those experiencing the collection. LOCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR ICONIC PUBLIC ART INVESTMENT Anderson Township Facilities • Anderson Center • Heritage Center • Five Mile Trail • Senior Center • Boat Launches • Bauer Nature Preserve • Anderson RecPlex • Trailheads Anderson Township Parks • Juilfs Park • Johnson Hills Park • Clear Creek Park • Beech Acres Park • Veterans Park
• Riverside Park • Kellog Park • Laverty Park Great Parks of Hamilton County • Woodland Mound Park • Withrow Nature Preserve • Little Miami Golf Center Gateway Opportunities: • Kellogg Gateway • On 52 at Woodland Mound Park • Clough Pike at Eight Mile Road • Beechmont Avenue at the Little Miami River • I-275 at Five Mile Road
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STRATEGY 2: INVEST IN PUBLIC ART ALONG THE ANDERSON TRAIL SYSTEM. Walking and biking are beloved activities in Anderson. While much of that happens in neighborhoods, many residents and non-residents alike enjoy a series of trails in Anderson. A community favorite, the Five Mile Trail, which is owned in large part by Hamilton County and leased/managed by Anderson Township, provides an integral link between the central and northern areas of the Township. Public art should be placed along the Five Mile Trail to enhance the experience of trail users and encourage new users to explore the enhanced amenity. The staircase should also be considered as a potential location. The Ohio River Trail and the Little Miami Scenic Trail also run through Anderson and should be considered as opportunities for public art both along the trail and at trailheads. Additional partners would need to be considered when planning for public art along these trails.
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STRATEGY 3: LAUNCH A MURAL PROGRAM IN ANDERSON WITH LOCAL PARTNERS. During community conversations, residents frequently shared their mutual desire for murals and for youth engagement in the creation of public art. Partnering with local arts organizations and the Forest Hills School District for an annual mural in Anderson would be an opportunity to establish a tradition for high school students to participate in and learn from professional artists. The experience would strengthen student’s attachment to Anderson and would provide an opportunity for students to interact with professional artists. In addition to artmaking, the Township should sponsor a reception and artist talk in which the community and students are invited to talk about their experience with the greater community. A mural program would be an opportunity to explore Anderson’s rich history and manifest imagery celebrating that history with students, providing an educational opportunity like no other.
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STRATEGY 4: ENHANCE ANDERSON’S ROADWAYS THROUGH A VARIETY OF PUBLIC ART INVESTMENTS. Anderson’s natural gathering spaces are placed throughout the Township and are mostly accessed by car. Therefore, many residents spend a considerable amount of time in their personal vehicles. Enhancing the experience of drivers and pedestrians along the roadway is an opportunity that is often overlooked in public art programs. Anderson should invest in public art on major corridors through a variety of public art types. TYPE 1: CREATIVE CROSSWALKS Crosswalks are a necessary measure for pedestrian safety on major roadways and neighborhood streets alike. A growing trend allows for municipalities to trade the white lines that are recognized as a universal symbol for pedestrian crossing with a creative application developed by artists in the same footprint as a traditional crosswalk. Some municipalities allow artists to use paint on lesser traveled streets and some require pre-printed laminate applied to the asphalt on higher trafficked roads. Anderson should develop a creative crosswalk program that focuses on placing creative crosswalks on Township-controlled roadways with close proximity to schools. TYPE 2: BANNERS Anderson currently has a series of banners that promote a variety of events in the Township. Banners provide a highly visual, usually vibrant pop of color when driving on major roads. Anderson should rotate original artwork by local artists onto the banner poles between event promotion. Calls to artists could be released on a biennial basis. Because these are developed from a high resolution file, visual artists of all mediums could participate in this program.
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TYPE 3: ROADS AND BRIDGES ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE Incorporating public artists into the inner workings of a municipality has yielded creative and unique projects throughout the Country in a variety of mediums. Artists think differently than traditional municipal staff members, and placing artists at the center of a relatively mundane municipal necessity like roads and bridges will place creative vision at the center of this public infrastructure program. An artist should be hired through a professional services retainer to assist in the planning and implementation of new roads and bridges. Outcomes could include creative community engagement projects soliciting ideas from the community about the structure and amenities offered on new roads, a sidewalk poetry program, or a creative lighting scheme. TYPE 4: BUS SHELTERS Inviting artists to help design elements of bus shelters is a simple way to integrate creativity into an otherwise mundane piece of infrastructure. On standard bus shelters, a piece of art can be placed on the glass on the back of the shelter. This is usually applied using vinyl and is primarily see-through. Possible installation of shelters around the Anderson Towne Center affords us the change for public art.
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CHAPTER 3: PRIORITY ACTION PLAN
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The following strategies are derived from national best practices in public art planning and are divided into short, medium, and long term actions. Collectively, the Plan is ambitious and will require a financial commitment from the Township and strong leadership.
SHORT TERM STRATEGIES
MEDIUM TERM STRATEGIES
1. Adopt the Anderson Township Public Art Program Policies found on p.___. 2. Evaluate adopted funding mechanisms as well as funding mechanisms for future consideration at the beginning of every year to examine their effectiveness at funding the program. A list of funding mechanisms is presented on p. 14. 3. Implement the Voluntary Percent for Art Program. 4. Update the Township’s website to provide information about the program, opportunities for engagement, and information about the future collection. A digital copy of the plan should also be included. 5. Audit upcoming Township-led projects to determine if public art can be included in the total project budget. 6. Develop an unveiling process that is duplicated each time a piece of art is installed in Anderson. This process could include: • Artist Talk: artists could present their creative process and design iterations to the community. An opportunity for community dialogue should be offered. • Unveiling event: Host a short event at the new piece. Remarks from an elected official, community members, and the artists should be considered. The event should be open to the public. 7. Complete an audit of privately owned walls and private property owners who would be interested in becoming a site for large-scale murals. 8. Launch a mural program with local partners for a program kickoff of Summer of 2023. 9. Create an annual work plan due annually by June 1.
1. If funding mechanisms were adopted before 2024, evaluate the effectiveness of the funding stream and determine if additional policy changes should be made to accommodate economic conditions. 2. Utilize Public Art Program Funds to leverage matching monies for grant opportunities from local, state, and national organizations. An effort should be made to target grants that have creative placemaking principles attached to them.
(1-3 YEARS | FY 2022-2024)
(4-6 YEARS | FY 2025-2027)
LONG TERM STRATEGIES (6+ YEARS | FY 2028-2032)
1. Evaluate the success of the Anderson Public Art Program.
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CHAPTER 4: PUBLIC ART PROJECTS FOR INSPIRATION 26
The Public Art Master Plan has identified 5 conceptual projects that could be installed throughout the Township. The specifics of each project are explored on the following pages. Implementation of public art should not be restricted to the following concepts as an artist commissioned by the Township should be in charge of the final outcome of the concept. The following projects are not ranked in order of importance and should be strategically selected as opportunities arise.
PROJECT 1: NATURAL SCULPTURE ON ANDERSON TRAILS Anderson Township is known for their outdoor amenities for hiking, walking, and biking. Residents and visitors enjoy these amenities year round. Because trails are one of Anderson’s most cherished amenities, a series of natural public art pieces created with found foliage and natural material could be commissioned and placed on multiple trails. Natural materials would break down naturally over time and would require little to no maintenance.
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WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT Integrating artwork into beloved and special places in Anderson is an opportunity to introduce public art to residents in an intimate way. The integration of sculpture made of natural materials in a wild setting is an opportunity to entice new users to the trails throughout the Township and to educate residents on environmental stewardship. Although the Heritage Center is not a trail, the Arboretum would be a wonderful place to site a sculpture as it would provide those who are unable to use the trails throughout the Township an opportunity to experience the artwork. Events could be planned at the sculpture like trail walks, story time, star gazing, or concerts.
INSPIRATION 28
Inn at Honey Run, Millersburg, Ohio Work by Patrick Dougherty
PROJECT 2: KELLOGG ROAD GATEWAY Anderson is actively working to enhance the Kellogg Avenue entertainment district gateway at I-275 and Kellogg. A large iconic piece of artwork should be considered at this location to welcome visitors from near and far. This gateway provides a major opportunity to provide a first impression as this is the front door to the entertainment district. The work could be a major sculpture, a light installation highlighting the bridge itself, or a sculpture affixed to the underside of the bridge.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT Monumental gateways help visitors and residents feel like they are entering a special place and enhancing this gateway is important for promoting Anderson’s high quality of life and creating clear boundaries for the Township.
INSPIRATION Blooming Spire, Jeff Zischke, Peoria, AZ The Canoes, Donald Lipski, Virginia Beach, VA
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PROJECT 3: ANDERSON SCULPTURE TOUR Anderson should host an annual sculpture tour in which sculptures are placed in various locations throughout the Township for the public to explore at their leisure. The Township should select 10 locations that range in type such as parks, open space, commercial areas, and school grounds. The Township should put out a call for sculpture to artists that offers a stipend to show the work for one year. The Township should provide a modest $1,500.00 stipend to each artist for the use of their sculpture. The Township would be responsible for pouring the foundation and installing the pieces. At the end of every year, the Township could purchase one piece to build it’s collection. A sculpture garden could also be created using the same process, but with selecting one location to place the sculptures within. The first year would generate the highest expenses as the plinths would need to be poured at the selected locations.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT An investment of this type allows the Township to build its collection and the presence of public art without a large initial investment. The temporary nature of a rotating sculpture garden will keep residents interested in the Program as it changes annually.
INSPIRATION Pizzuti Collection Sculpture Garden, Columbus, Ohio Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park, Hamilton, Ohio ArtAround Roswell, Roswell, Georgia
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PROJECT 4: ANDERSON BIKES! BIKE RACKS
Bike racks are an essential amenity in communities where active living is an important value and Anderson takes pride in offering bike racks throughout the Township to support active living choices. Anderson could release a call for artists to design a series of bike racks. These bike racks could go in Township-owned facilities or could be placed in private development as required by code. Should a new development require a bike rack, the developer could purchase their bike rack directly from the artist that designed and fabricated the bike racks for the Township. While this program would require some coordination, the outcome of unified and creative bike racks throughout the community would be a unique design element that offers a low cost, high impact project that could be community-wide.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT Pedestrian amenities are often mundane and ordered from a catalog. Developing a bike rack program where bike racks are designed and fabricated by artists would allow for colorful small functional sculptures to be placed throughout the Township for all to enjoy.
INSPIRATION Artistic Bike Racks, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Small environmentally-friendly sculptures should be placed along the Five Mile trail to enhance the already beloved experience. Sculptures placed along the trail could be large enough to play and climb on or could be smaller and integrated into the landscape. The sculptures could be playful animals native to the southeast region of Ohio or could be a series of imaginary creatures providing a fun, whimsical series of items to discover. The small staircase on the Al Mink Bridge could also be incorporated into the Discovery Trail as part of the larger site.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT
PROJECT 5: FIVE MILE DISCOVERY TRAIL 32
Providing fun and unique opportunities for families to engage in active play is important for the residents of Anderson. Layering experiences upon the Five Mile trail is a unique opportunity for the Township to explore environmental education while encouraging physical activity. Other subjects to explore include Anderson’s role in the Underground Railroad.
INSPIRATION Mice on Main, Greenville, South Carolina Storybook Capital Park, Abilene, Texas
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