Mooresville Public Arts Plan

MOORESVILLE PUBLIC ARTS PLAN

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The creation of this plan would not be possible with out the work and insights of the following individuals and groups:

Miles Atkins Mayor

Bobby Compton Commissioner at large

Tommy DeWeese Commissioner Ward 3

Eddie Dingler Commissioner Ward 1

Thurman Houston Commissioner Ward 2

Lisa Qualls Commissioner Ward 4

Gary West Commissioner At Large

Jeff Cason, Chair Public Arts Committee

Rochelle Dearman, Vice-Chair Public Arts Committee

Jessica Dehart Public Arts Committee

Sascha Kunz Public Arts Committee

Troy Luttman Public Arts Committee

Ellen Patterson Public Arts Committee

Jennifer Sharpe Public Arts Committee

Michael Stefanac Public Arts Committee

Cortney Frasier, Past Member Public Arts Committee

Maria Campagna, Past Member Public Arts Committee

Denician Parrish, Past Member Public Arts Committee

Pam Reidy Parks & Recreation Director

Mooresville Arts

Iredell Arts Council

Mooresville Public Library

The Charles Mack Citizen Center

Joshua Lapp Designing Local

Amanda Golden Designing Local

Jasmine Metcalf Designing Local

Karen Dortschy, Past Member Public Arts Committee

Amy Jane Reiss, Past Member Public Arts Committee

WELCOME LETTER

JEFF CASON, Public Arts Committee Chair

Mooresville is a remarkable town.

Established 150 years ago, we have a rich history that has distinguished our community through the decades. From our establishment as a railroad hub, to the textile mills that put us on the map; from our contribution to motorsports as Race City USA, to the recent distinction of being the fastest growing town in North Carolina—we are a vibrant community that is poised to become THE place to live, work, and play in the greater Charlotte region.

We believe that public art is a key component of telling the story of our roots, and celebrating the hope and promise of our future.

This plan is a blueprint for weaving public art into every facet of our community. We are confident that a vibrant public art program can enhance the quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors, and help establish Mooresville as a destination for cultural tourism.

As we enter a new sesquicentennial, we believe that public art will play a leading role in the next 150 years and beyond.

CHAPTER 2: PLANNING PROCESS OVERVIEW

THE PLANNING PROCESS

OVERVIEW

The planning process for the Mooresville Public Art Plan is built on a backbone of strong public engagement and thoughtful Mooresville-focused solutions.

The process began in early 2023 with regular bi-weekly coordination with the project team and one-on-one conversations with key stakeholders. This initial coordination laid the groundwork for online and in person public engagement. The planning team also undertook an intensive on the ground tour of Mooresville to gain a greater understanding of the opportunity for public art in the town.

What emerged from this process was a strong vision for how public art can create positive impacts in the community, bring people together, and align with other efforts undertaken by the Town of Mooresville. This vision is expressed in a series of ideals that lay out what public art in Mooresville should accomplish:

IDEAL ONE: SHARE THE STORY OF OUR TOWN

IDEAL TWO: CONNECT NEIGHBORS WITH NEIGHBORS ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY

IDEAL THREE: ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVE AND CONNECTION TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

IDEAL FOUR: BUILD ON OUR STRONG PLACE-BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

IDEAL FIVE: CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT

IDEAL SIX: ENGAGE A SENSE OF PLAYFULNESS AND WHIMSY

IDEAL 7: BUILD OUR CULTURAL TOURISM ECONOMY TO SUPPORT VISITORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

Public input is at the heart of the Mooresville Public Art Strategy. In order to ensure that the strategy is built upon a solid foundation of community support the planning team engaged with community members and key stakeholders through a variety of mediums.

SURVEY

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT RESULTS

What emerged is a vision for how public art can enhance public space and public life in Mooresville.

q1.

Where would you like to see more public art in Mooresville? (Select all that apply)

q2.

• Lake Norman slip locations

• N Main Street medians

• Mosaic tiles by public parks by hope park

• West Branch Library

• Skate Shop/Comic Store wall mural Downtown

• The high school

• The intersection by the circle k and tire store

• Parks and trails

• Brick walls downtown

Where specifically would you like to see More art? (Sample of responses)

• Coddle Creek Elementary, the wall of cafeteria by the drop off line

• Main Street Schools

• Lake Norman

• Along HW 150 throughout the busy sections, around stores

• Entering downtown

• Buildings downtown

• Side of buildings in downtown

• Mooresville Middle

• Crosswalks

• Golf course new sidewalk area on Wilson

• Gateway to town

• Bellingham trail

• Hwy 21 and 150

• Mazeppa Park Main Street

• Bellingham Park

• More downtown buildings, to match the advertisements

• Cornelius Road Park

• Entering all directions

• Gateways

• City buildings

• Clock tower at a high school

• Hwy 21 and West Wilson intersection

• War Memorial

• green space by the depot

• TOWN HALL, POST OFFICE, AND LIBRARY

• Coming into town

• Liberty park

• High volume areas such as intersections on 150.

• Exit 36

• JFM Park

• Major intersections along Brawley School Road

• New Greenway Trails

• Town entrance signs

• Recreational Parks

• Charles Mack Center

• Anywhere there is a “Welcome to Town of Mooresville” sign

• Wilson and 21

• near Merino Mill

what kind of public art do you want to see?

q4.

WHAT KINDS OF PUBLIC ART DON’T YOU WANT TO SEE? (SAMPLE 0F RESPONSES)

• Kids art work

• Paintings that are not Mooresville related

• All art is great as long as it supports an artist

• Political statements

• Light

• Tacky art i want it all

• All art is beautiful and welcome

• There isn’t one. Bring all the art!!

• Offense subjects

• Let’s have it all!!

• Political

• Religious or discriminatory

• All art is good Old timey things since we already have that in murals

• More generic pieces

• I’d rather see all encompassing rather than one unit

• Multimedia

• Statues

• Anything that hides our history

• Political or offensive

• Anything political

• Religious and political

• Weird modern sculptures

• Large murals & things that distract drivers Sculptures of people

• Art created by the same artists that always get the contracts All kinds

• Flashing lights or sound

• any abstract anatomy, nothing

shocking or off putting please

• People/statues on benches. They always look creepy and just waste a seat.

• Political messages Racing topic

• Shapeless or meaningless Non local artists work

• Graffiti style

• Super modern, weird stuff

• I believe it is all important.

• flowers

• sculptures/ murals

• Anything that blurs the line of art versus free speech.

Ties to racing or the racing industry.

• Sculpture busts / famous persons

• Anything that is politically driven or supports singular segments of society.

• Not a big fan of murals.

• Painted Benches

q6.

What word comes to mind when you think of public art? (For example: wonder, history, interaction, pride,

etc.)

DO YOU HAVE ANY THEMATIC IDEAS ABOUT ART?

(SAMPLE 0F RESPONSES)

• Astronomy

• Race City History

• Modern

• Pollinators

• Colorful, photorealistic, abstract, illusion, cartoony, murals

• Evolution of the town (architecture, MGSD) a glimpse into the past!

• Pop culture Events throughout the ages

• Nature

• Celebration of its people

• Functional

• Y’all means all; Anything welcoming to all

• Nature

• Reclaimed wood or iron from some of the older buildings History of Mooresville Past Present Future

• Heritage

• Belonging

• Community

• Wildlife - native

• Love

• Demographic culture of

Mooresville

• Functional

• Diversity

• Celebrating ethnicities of Mooresville

• Inclusion

• Community

• Unity

• Community mural

• pink truck that feeds people on Sundays

• everyday people from all walks of life helping each other

• unity

• Functional

• Inclusion in terms of physical and mental disabilities

• One Mooresville

• Inclusivity

• Unity

• History

• Nature

• School history

• “One” Community (inclusive) Cotton

• Heritage

• Our town through the years

• history

• diversity

• Agricultural history

• History of mills

• agricultural heritage

• Lake life

• Patriotic

• Nature Functional

• Textile heritage

• Natural beauty, lake

• Cotton workers/ farmers/ sharecroppers

• Landscapes

• interactive

• mountain blue grass

q7.

q8.

which public art examples you would like to see in Mooresville? (select all that apply)

Write one or two words that come to mind when describing Mooresville as a community:

• Suburbia

• Diverse

• Laidback

• Lake

• Friendly

• Lake life side and Historic Side

• Unity Quintessential small town

• Home Down home southern style

• Small town, together

• Neighborly

• Friendly

• Wholesome

• Lake

• Lively

• Popular

• Friendly Caring

• Melting pot

• Growth explosion Connection

• Welcoming

• Magnetic Mooresville

• Historical

• Sprawling hometown

• Better together

• Love

• Crowded

• Divided

• Comfortable

• Family oriented

• History

• Hometown

• Emerging

• Team

• Mill Town

• Lakeside

• Variety of lifestyles and of communities

• Beautiful

• Growing Safe

• Tight knit

• Multi-faceted Semi rural

• Southern

• Family orientated

• Supportive

• Nice city

• Growth

• Thriving & energetic

• Local

• Supportive

• Prosperous

• Great

• Explore Dreaming big in a hometown

• old school Two Cities

• resource variety

• Growing & Becoming morethan-ourselves

• People Care

• Lake Norman

• racing

• Strong sense of community

• Surrounded by nature

• crowded roads

• inviting Growth

• Stockcar racing

• Growing

• Supportive

• Small Town Vibes

• Old fashion

• Nascar

• Quaint downtown

• Small town in motion

• Variety

• Coming Together

• Pride

q9.

What about Mooresville makes it unique?

PUBLIC ART TYPOLOGIES

SCULPTURE

Whether contemporary, irreverent, 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 Town.

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.

FUNCTIONAL ART

Functional art provides an opportunity for municipalities to explore artists generating everyday items such as benches, trash cans, light poles, or bollards. Functional elements appear in every public space and provide cities with an opportunity to creatively use funds for art rather than on standard furnishings.

MURALS

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.

MOSAICS

Mosaics come in many shapes and sizes and include glass or ceramics. The relative flexibility of the application of mosaics responds well to many art contexts. Whether they be functional, internal such as inlaid in flooring, or as a stand-alone exterior elementmosaics can help to enrich the built environment.

TEXTILE

GLASS WORKS

Modern glass installations arose in the 1960s and have quickly taken prominence in the art world. Glass works tend to be whimsical and are often used in interior entry spaces and exterior sculpture gardens.

Glass installations are especially useful when trying to inject color and interest into otherwise boring spaces.

Textiles span the gauntlet from wall hangings to giant masterpieces that visually impact public spaces. This form of art can be used to add interest to new spaces or existing spaces within our public buildings. Textiles can also be used to create art that reflects the cultural heritage of a community through the use of traditional materials local to the area to depict important stories and symbols from the community’s history.

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC ART OPPORTUNITIES

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. These installations can be created inexpensively which can be a small investment for a huge impact, making them ideal for areas such as construction sites, parks, and sidewalks. Its short lifespan gives energy to the space and drives excitement among the community. These pieces also invite collaboration, be it with local schools or community groups, with the opportunity for the artwork to evolve with the community over time.

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.

SITE-SPECIFIC ART

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, or simply exist to elevate the site.

CHAPTER 3: KEY PROGRAM IDEALS

IDEAL 1: SHARE THE STORY OF OUR TOWN

IDEAL 1: SHARE THE STORY OF OUR TOWN

Mooresville is known for is scenic setting, its connection to racing, and its historic charm and character. Grounded in its roots and a unique culture cultivated over generations, Mooresville and its people now have the opportunity to share their story and values through art, bringing to life their stories, and enriching the town’s landscape through artistic expression.

IDEAL 2: CONNECTING NEIGHBORS TO NEIGHBORS

IDEAL 2: CONNECT NEIGHBORS TO NEIGHBORS ACROSS OUR COMMUNITY

By using art to create an overarching creative vision, Mooresville can work towards cementing its identity and uniting its communities. It is an effective way to connect residents to a larger community-wide sense of place and create a shared identity that goes beyond just neighborhood boundaries. Public art installations can spark conversations and bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in the community.

IDEAL 3: CONNECT TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

IDEAL 3: ENCOURAGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND CONNECTION TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.

Art has the ability to encourage physical activity and connection to the natural environment in a number of ways. Public art installations in parks, along trails, and in greenspaces can inspire people to explore and appreciate nature. These installations can also serve as gathering points for community events and activities, such as outdoor yoga classes, art fairs, and music festivals. Beyond these benefits, art can be used to honor and enhance the natural settings it is placed in. Due to the already iconic natural setting of Mooresville, these types of art installations will only serve to further enhance the community’s connection to its natural environment.

IDEAL 4: BUILD ON OUR PLACE-BASED ECONOMY.

IDEAL 4: BUILD ON OUR STRONG PLACE-BASED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

With each new installation, Mooresville has the opportunity to create something iconic, that serves the community by enhancing the built environment in such a way that businesses, tourists, and residents are attracted to the area. Art has the potential to revitalize overlooked spaces, inspire new investment, and prop-up the local economy through a strong sense of place.

IDEAL 5: CREATE OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE

IDEAL 5: CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT.

Art has the power to captivate, spark conversation, and inspire people to stop, engage and interact with story or physical elements of the piece. Art can also be interactive, functional, or include elements of surprise and delight to capture the attention of the viewer. Mooresville can work to build a diverse collection of public art pieces which engage the senses on a variety of levels.

Art has the ability to add a sense of playfulness and whimsy to the environment it is placed within. Mooresville has the opportunity to incorporate vibrancy and evoke joy and excitement into the community fabric by giving residents and visitors alike a taste of the unexpected by harnessing the creativity of the art.

IDEAL 6: ENGAGE A SENSE OF PLAYFULNESS AND WHIMSY.

IDEAL 6: ENGAGE A SENSE OF PLAYFULNESS AND WHIMSY.

IDEAL 7: BUILD ON OUR CULTURAL TOURISM

IDEAL 7: BUILD OUR CULTURAL TOURISM ECONOMY TO SUPPORT VISITORS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES

Public art can be a powerful tool for building a cultural tourism economy that supports visitors and local businesses. By creating a sense of place and promoting local culture, public art installations can attract tourists and increase spending, while also contributing to the revitalization of underutilized spaces. Public art can make places and experiences more memorable for visitors and residents, and with the opportunity to promote local history, culture, and traditions, a greater sense of authenticity is created.

CHAPTER 4: ESTABLISHING THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM

ESTABLISHING

THE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM

Through the following steps, Mooresville will enhance the existing program. This program will be governed by sound and transparent policies and procedures that will ensure continued success of the program.

STEP 1: ADOPT THE MOORESVILLE PUBLIC ART PROGRAM POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND GUIDELINES

To establish a successful Public Art program, the Town of Mooresville should adopt comprehensive public art program policies, procedures, and guidelines. The full public art program policies, procedures, and guidelines can be found in Appendix 1. This includes the following policies: Collection Management, Donation of Public Art Procedures, and a Policy and Procedure for Maintenance. In addition, the Town will adopt guidelines for murals 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 Mooresville Public Art Program. Each policy directs a specific aspect of the Program and ensures the Town 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.

Public Art Program Introduction

This policy establishes overall definitions for the policy.

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 Town’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 Town’s Permanent Collection and guard against inappropriate disposal of any of its pieces.

Donation Policy

This policy establishes the donation process for artworks not commissioned by the Town of Mooresville. 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.

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.

Administrative Guide

The Administrative Guide outlines the roles and responsibilities of citizens, Town staff and elected officials in the development, funding and implementation of Mooresville 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, and the implementation and conservation of the Mooresville Public Art Collection.

Mural Guidelines

The Mural Guidelines offer guidelines for both publicly-owned murals on public and private property and considers the process for approval. The guidelines consider the ownership of the building in which the mural will be sited.

STEP 2: ENSURE PERMANENT FUNDING FOR PUBLIC ART

To achieve the vision of the community for public art in Mooresville, 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 Mooresville. Considering a single traditional funding mechanism would likely not yield the funds necessary to achieve the vision set forth in this Plan, a series of funding mechanisms are recommended to establish a Program that has lasting impact.

FUNDING RECOMMENDATIONS

General Fund Allocation

A minimum General Fund Allocation of $60,000 shall be budgeted annually.

Percent for Art Ordinances

In addition, both a Percent for Art in Capital Improvement Projects and a Percent for Art in Private Development should be studied for adoption in order to ensure long term funding. These 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; and

• How much funding each mechanism will generate over time.

Percent for Art in Mooresville Capital Improvement Projects

Percent-for-art programs encumber a percentage (usually .5 to 2) of CIP (publicly funded capital improvement projects) per year for the commissioning of public artworks. These artworks may be sited in, on, or adjacent to the building or project being constructed or may be redirected to a fund that can then be spent throughout the Town. This Resolution will guarantee a funding stream for public art projects well into the future. The Resolution also guarantees that public art projects will be planned each year, as long as CIPs are underway and municipal construction continues.

Mooresville should dedicate at least 1% of CIP projects per year to the Public Art Program.

All capital construction projects qualify except the following: ADA compliance projects (not including projects where ADA compliance is a portion of a larger project); Road, path, and sidewalk repairs, including traffic signals and upgrades, curb and gutter repairs, sign reflectivity, road and parking signage, resurfacing of roads, or other existing hardscape areas; Emergency repair projects; Cyclical replacement and repair of trails, outdoor furnishings, or fencing; Studies.; Roof replacement; Mechanical, security, A/V equipment; HVAC, IT installations, upgrades, and repairs; Utilities projects, unless there is a building construction or reconstruction involved; Vehicle repair and replacement; Projects where the majority of the cost is allocated to elements located underground.

Types of potential Capital Improvement Projects to Include Public Art within:

• New roads

• Gateways

• Fire and Police Stations

• Parks and Greenways

• Town Facilities

Percent for Art in Private Development

This public art requirement would apply to all private non-residential development projects throughout the Town and all residential development projects with more than 4 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 $200,000. 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 Public Arts Committee who will assist the applicant in routing it through the approval process with the Town.

Option 2: Contribute to the Mooresville Public Art Acquisition Fund.

A. Contribute an amount equal to 80% of the 1% of the total construction costs for deposit to the Mooresville 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.

Grants

Given the generosity of the Mooresville community, the Town’s contribution should be leveraged to access grant dollars locally and nationally.

Employing multiple funding options over time achieves a number of IDEALS: provides funding in the early years of the program projecting success early in the Program’s existence, engages the private development community, 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.

STEP 3: STAFFING THE PROGRAM

A Public Arts Program Manager should be hired to manage Mooresville’s Public Art Program. This position will ensure the Program is managed properly and each project is executed with the Town’s best interests in mind.

The Public Arts Program Manager Coordinator has the following responsibilities:

• Develop and implement an annual Public Art Work Plan in coordination with the Public Arts Committee and appropriate Town departments and representatives.

• Oversee the administration of the commissioning of new works of public art including, but not limited to:

• Project planning - developing scopes of work and project budgets, coordinating with the project manager and project architect, and identifying community partners when necessary.

• Management of the artist selection process - developing and distributing RFQs and RFPs.

• Project implementation - developing contracts, getting necessary approval, coordinating with the project manager, reviewing preliminary and final designs, and monitoring artist progress and compliance with the project contact.

• Documentation- keeping records of contracts, photographs, construction drawings, maintenance

manuals, and meetings.

• Community education - assisting in garnering publicity for projects, facilitating public meetings, and developing educational materials.

• Oversee the work of project consultants

• Ensure adequate insurance and liability protection is secured by artists, contractors, and the Town prior to installation.

• Coordinate any necessary management agreements through artists, contractors, community groups, private property owners, and the Town as needed.

• Monitor private development projects to assist private developers in including public art in their developments and guide them, when requested, through the process of placing public art within their projects.

• Identify collaborations and sources of funds.

• Oversee a comprehensive conservation survey of the Mooresville Public Art Collection and ensure all necessary repairs are conducted.

• Serve as a liaison between the Town, artists, and/or business organizations relative to the Public Arts Program.

• Report to the Parks and & Recreation Director

• Support the Public Arts Committee

• All other duties as assigned

CHAPTER 5: KEY PARTNERS

KEY PARTNERS

Town Departments

Internal partners will be key to the success of the Mooresville Public Art Program. For public art to be integrated throughout the community, the public art program should work closely with the following departments at a minimum:

Parks & Recreation

The Public Art Program will lie within the Parks & Recreation Department; however, coordination with other Town staff members will be key to integrating public art within parks and recreation facilities throughout the community.

Planning & Community Development

There are a large number of initiatives underway by the Planning and Community Development Department that will be key opportunities to integrate public art into the town.

Engineering

The Engineering team will be key to adding public art into capital improvement projects throughout the town.

Public Works

When integrating public art into streetscapes or other public infrastructure projects, coordinating with Public Works will be key.

Public Utilities

The infrastructure and facilities that Public Utilities controls hold some key opportunities to adding public art into the built environment of Mooresville.

Communications & Marketing

As public art is installed in the community, sharing the story of the artwork and its impact will be key to long term success of the program.

Development Partners

Mooresville is a fast- growing community with large amounts of new housing and commercial buildings being constructed. Developers will be key partners to ensuring that public art is placed throughout the community.

business and corporate Partners

A number of corporations are headquartered in Mooresville and the community remains a vibrant destination for both large and small business. These businesses will be key to helping fund and implement the public art program.

non-profit Partners

Non-profit partners in the community, such as Mooresville Arts and the Iredell Arts Council, provide key arts- focused services and opportunities for residents and visitors. Partnering with these organizations to execute public art will be key to the program’s success.

CHAPTER 6: PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION

PROJECTS FOR CONSIDERATION

MOORESVILLE UTILITY BOX PROGRAM

Utility boxes come in all shapes and sizes and provide great opportunities to showcase artwork. Cities across the country are working to beautify their streets through utility box programs that place artwork on all sides of the boxes. Artists can paint directly on the boxes or a vinyl wrap can be created and applied so removal of the artwork is simple. Wraps also provide an opportunity for non-traditional public artists to participate in a public art program as the vinyl clings are made from high resolution images that are made into vinyl clings.

Cost: $

TACTICAL URBANISM PROJECTS

While permanent projects will work to establish a long-term art focused identity and sense of place, tactical urbanism projects could serve to create immediate impact. Whether created by grassroots organizations or in partnership with the community as a community-participatory focused project, tactical urbanism projects such as collaborative murals, and spontaneous temporary art pieces, or streetscape elements such as painted crosswalks and parklets would serve to reinforce the creative movement in Mooresville. By activating overlooked spaces and everyday town elements with tactical inventions, people will experience places in a fresh way, spurring inspiration for the future of public art and placemaking in Mooresville.

Cost: $

SELMA BURKE PROJECT | SELMA BURKE RECREATION CENTER

Selma Burke was an American sculptor and member of the Harlem Renaissance movement, born in Mooresville in the year 1900. Her sculptural work of busts and bas relief was widely influential in the US, particularly her relief of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This bust was ultimately used on the US dime without credit.

Mooresville has the opportunity to tell the story of Burke, the impact of her work, and provide another platform for an artist of color to showcase their skills. Mooresville could create a series of pieces inspired by Burke’s work in her chosen medium, or even commission an artist to create a bust of Burke in their own artistic style. By working with an artist, the town of Mooresville could creatively retell the legacy of Burke, with currency- specifically the dime- playing a role in the piece. It would also be appropriate for this piece to be located at the Selma Burke Recreation Center, honoring her memory at the namesake building.

Cost: $$

PUBLIC ART IN CIP PROJECTS

With considerable development pressure, Mooresville has the opportunity to make a big impact through pieces installed in conjunction with major construction projects. Art pieces can provide additional intrigue and draw for new town projects as well as provide character and a sense of authenticity to fresh construction work.

ARTWORK IN ROUNDABOUTS

Mooresville could include sculptural pieces in the center of the new roundabouts, such as the Liberty Park Roundabout and Cornelius Road Park Roundabout addition. These pieces would have the ability to provide a sense of playfulness and excitement for residents and visitors commutes. The Town could choose to commission works by the same artist or in the same theme to provide a greater sense of place and work to establish a wider art identity within the town. The best work for roundabouts is large, well-lit sculptures that can be experienced easily and are highly visible at a glance.

Roundabout Opportunities Include:

• Liberty Park

• Cornelius Road Park

• Langtree

• Future Roundabouts

Cost: $$$

PUBLIC ART IN PARKS

Mooresville could work to establish art pieces in each of the town parks, starting with parks undergoing capital improvements. These pieces could work to inspire a sense of wonder and enhance the experience of park goers as they engage with their natural surroundings. These pieces would best be experienced as functional, interactive, or site-specific pieces which are best experienced up close and personal on foot or bike. The artwork could take the form of artistically crafted benches, playsets, or other functional elements or could be sculpture, mosaics, or lighted installations that enhance the natural setting.

An initial investment of art in parks could be John Franklin Moore Park, with its central location downtown, providing an ideal location to start developing an art identity within Mooresville parks.

Cost: $-$$ per investment

New Police Station

NEW POLICE STATION ARTWORK

The new Police Station provides an opportunity for a large mural. A mural would provide greater connection with the new station and the community.

Cost: $

MOORESVILLE GATEWAYS

The Town of Mooresville is divided into two sections by Interstate 77, fracturing the community’s identity into two and creating a barrier for connection and cohesion across the Town. Mooresville could establish an overarching community identity through the commissioning of gateway pieces, prioritizing pieces on either side of the highway to give a sense of connection to the larger whole regardless of which direction drivers turn when exiting the interstate. Once those pieces have been established, a similar theme or style could be carried across entry points to the town, including:

Key Gateway Opportunities:

• I-77 & Langtree

• Mecklenburg Highway

• I-77 & Williamson Road

• I-77 & 150

• 150 & 152

Cost: $$ per gateway

SIGNATURE ARTWORK IN EXISTING SPACES

Pieces located in already existing spaces, whether well-loved or sometimes overlooked could provide Mooresville with the chance to create iconic pieces that tell the story of the Town and the spaces they inhabit while enhancing the everyday experience of residents and visitors. The objective of these pieces should be to add a sense of vibrancy and place, whether through sculpture or other art mediums. The pieces may be unique from one another or be created as a series of artworks that encourage the viewer to experience the spaces in a new way. Sites for these pieces could include but are not limited to:

• YMCA space/Park

• One Mooresville Center

• Morrison Plantation

• The Charles Mack Citizen Center

Cost: $$$

ARTS AND CULTURAL GREENWAY

An Arts & Cultural Greenway could be an iconic opportunity to bring public art to the core of Downtown Mooresville while also creating a unique attraction for residents and visitors to Mooresville. The Greenway could run through existing and new parts and trail spaces connecting key locations within the Downtown area. These locations could feature public art alongside trail improvements.

Cost: $$$

WILLIAMSON ROAD BRIDGE PUBLIC ART

An iconic natural asset of the area is Lake Norman. Mooresville should enhance its connection to this natural resource through a piece inspired by the lake situated in the public right-of-way of the Williamson bridge. Due to its low lying position against the lake, there is a unique opportunity to create an art piece that plays with the proximity to the water line and may even cast light upon the water or move in and out of the water line. Capturing the attention of travelers whether they are coming to the town of Mooresville or just passing by, this high volume corridor allows for the opportunity to impact thousands of individuals per day.

Cost: $$