To: Members of the Public Art Commission
From: Maia Aman, Town Liaison
Title
Staff Updates
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Executive Summary
Staff would like to update the Commission regarding the following items.
Sweet Tooth
Per the Commission’s direction, Sweet Tooth, the bronze bear sculpture, was relocated to the northwest corner of 4th and Perry streets (photos attached). The sculpture is now also covered within the Town’s insurance policy.
Downtown Mural Program
K.C. Neel, owner of Castle Rock Bike and Ski, approached staff to discuss the idea of organizing a mural grant program for Downtown Castle Rock. Mrs. Neel recently commissioned a mural for her own storefront (photo attached) and strongly believes in the positive impact that public art can have on the community. In addition, murals, combined with public-private partnerships may provide an affordable way to foster public art in the downtown area.
K.C.’s suggestion is to have the Town partner with potentially the Chamber and the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to initiate a grant program similar to the DDA’s façade improvement grant program. The DDA sets aside a few thousand dollars every year to help beautify and improve the downtown facades. The DDA offers up to 1,000 toward design work and up to $5,000 toward construction costs and requires the building owner to match their financial assistance dollar for dollar.
Mrs. Neel will soon be discussing this potential idea with the Chamber and the DDA. If interest in the idea of the program is generated, staff and the various groups can began to plan and initiate next steps.
Staff recommend that the Commission provide a general direction for this proposed idea; K.C. Neel can be invited to a future meeting if the Commission would like to discuss the concept more in-depth.
Gathering of Local Arts Agencies (LAA) Leadership
Matt Chanasky, Manager of the Office of Arts and Culture at the City of Boulder Library and Arts, and Ginger White Brunetti, the Deputy Director of Arts and Venues for the City of Denver, extended an invitation to local art agencies to attend a meeting in early December. It is their intent to discuss goals, issues and opportunities facing our growing and dynamic creative region. Staff plan to attend the meeting, and Commission members are welcome to attend if interested. Please confirm your interest in attending no later than November 21.
Attachments
Attachment A Sweet Tooth’s new home
Attachment B Castle Rock Bike and Ski mural
Attachment C Gathering of LAA Leadership email invitation