To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Yates, Staff Liaison
Title
Public Art Planning Scope and Next Steps
Body
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Executive Summary
The Public Art Commission is continuing its discussion regarding the development of a new long-range plan for the Town’s public art program. At its September meeting, the Commission reviewed different planning approaches, potential consultant services, examples from peer communities and the possible division of work among the Commission, staff and a consultant. Because Commissioner Bob Gnaegy was unable to attend the September meeting, the Commission agreed to continue the discussion with him present before directing staff to develop a formal consultant solicitation.
The purpose of this discussion is to provide clearer direction regarding the future plan and solicitation process:
• Focus - Should the plan focus specifically on the Town’s public art program, address a broader arts and culture framework, etc.
• Planning horizon and structure - Should the Town pursue a shorter-term strategic plan, a long-range master plan or a hybrid approach that combines a long-range vision with a shorter implementation plan
• Community engagement - How broad should the public process be, and which groups should be included? Potential participants could include residents, artists, arts and cultural organizations, schools, businesses, Town departments, the Castle Rock Arts and Culture Foundation, the Public Art Commission and Town Council
• Products and deliverables - Which planning products are most important? Options discussed previously included an assessment of the existing program and collection, peer-community benchmarking, updated mission and vision statements, governance and funding recommendations, public art policies, collection mapping, site identification, maintenance and conservation planning, partnership strategies and an implementation plan
• Work plan - What research, engagement and plan development can the Commission and staff reasonably complete, and which components would benefit from consultant expertise? The scope of consultant work will directly affect the project budget and schedule
Following the discussion, staff will document the Commission’s direction, confirm applicable procurement requirements and prepare a preliminary scope and solicitation framework for future Commission review. The Commission could also invite a representative from a peer community or an experienced public art planning consultant to discuss the planning process and potential scope at a future meeting.
It’s also worth noting that a consultant-led planning process could take approximately nine to 15 months following contract execution. Consultant services are not currently included in the 2026 or 2027 budget and would require a future allocation from the Public Art Fund.
Attachments
Attachment A - Public Art Planning Outline Submitted by Commissioner Bob Gnaegy