The Clearwater Public Art & Design Board convened on April 13, 2023, to discuss various initiatives and updates related to public art in the city. The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from the previous meeting held on September 8, 2022, which was unanimously passed.
Following the approval, the board moved to the "Citizens to be Heard" segment, where no public comments were made. The meeting then transitioned to new business, beginning with the introduction of Amber Bryce as the new Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator. Bryce, who has been in her role for one month, shared her background in community arts and expressed her eagerness to collaborate with the board and gather feedback on future initiatives.
The board then welcomed Beth Daniels, Co-President of the Clearwater Arts Alliance, who provided an update on the signal box art project. Daniels reported that the alliance is currently in its second tranche of funding, having successfully completed six neighborhood-specific signal boxes during the COVID-19 pandemic. These projects involved collaboration between artists and local homeowner associations to create art that reflects the community's history and themes.
Daniels highlighted some challenges faced in the project, particularly regarding coordination with the city and identifying neighborhoods with limited art amenities. Despite these hurdles, progress has been made, with two signal boxes completed and a third in development, particularly in the engaged Glenwood neighborhood.
The meeting concluded with a focus on the importance of community collaboration in public art projects and the board's commitment to enhancing Clearwater's cultural landscape. Further updates and discussions are anticipated in future meetings as the board continues to explore new initiatives and partnerships.