Title
Ordinance - An Ordinance of the City of Mansfield, Texas, Amending Title III “Administration” of the Code of Mansfield, Texas; Creating a New Chapter 39 Establishing the Policy and Administration of Public Art; Establishing a Public Art Advisory Committee; Establishing the Public Art Fund; Authorizing the Allocation of up to Two Percent (2%) of the Construction Costs of Eligible Capital Improvement Program Projects for Art; Providing for the Repeal of all Ordinances in Conflict; Providing a Severability Clause; Providing for Publication; And Providing an Effective Date
Requested Action
Consider the Ordinance to implement a Public Art Program.
Recommendation
Adoption of the Ordinance to begin a Public Art Program.
Description/History
The City of Mansfield began receiving questions from residents, local artists, and city staff from across departments regarding public art projects in 2018. A volunteer committee was formed to research public art programs and policies. After a year of research encompassing Mansfield's existing ordinances and codes as well as public art programs, ordinances, and policies from across the region and nation the committee recommended a comprehensive approach to public art that would include designated funding, selection and maintenance processes, and broad oversight.
The city decided it was best to tackle public art as part of a large scale cultural arts master planning process which began in February 2022. Since then, City Council, city staff and residents have had numerous opportunities to provide comments and direction, ask questions, and learn about all of the aspects of cultural arts, including public art. Outreach for the Cultural Arts Master Plan has included 53 public engagement opportunities, 12 committee meetings, 6 updates to City Council with some focused specifically on public art, 2 public surveys with several questions specifically dedicated to public art, and numerous interviews and staff meetings, many focused on public art policies and practices.
As a result of this nearly 2-year planning process, and in keeping with national best practice regarding public art funding and administration, Mansfield's own public art policies and ordinance were drafted. The ordinance before you today has received wide input from the community, been reviewed by city staff from across departments, and vetted by city legal advisors.
Justification
Passing a public art ordinance demonstrates that Mansfield values art, creativity, and one-of-a-kind experiences. It shows that Mansfield is investing in the types of programs that make our city a desirable place to live, work, and play.
Passing an ordinance that utilizes a "percent for art" funding mechanism ensures stable funding for a program with the smallest financial burden to a city and its residents. Funding public art through a percent for art, establishing a public art advisory board, and implementing public art policies through approval of a public art ordinance have been proven in cities across the country to create successful, sustainable public art programs that reflect and engage the communities in which they exist. This is the best way for Mansfield to establish a public art program.
Funding Source
Up to two percent (2%) of the construction costs of eligible capital improvement program projects.
Prepared By
Rosalie Gilbert, Manager of Arts and Event Services - Community Engagement, 817-728-3383
Theresa Cohagen, Executive Director of Community Engagement, 817-728-3384