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DDA outlines public art program: RFPs for murals and sculpture, license and loan agreements planned
Summary
The DDA reported progress on a public art program that will combine student works and commissioned/rented professional pieces; staff described RFPs, loan agreements with the DDA, and a separate license with city council required for sculpture on public property.
Audrey, DDA director, and staff updated the board on a newly structured public art program aimed at placing student work, commissioned murals and rented sculptures downtown for the 2025 event season.
The program has two tracks: student artworks developed through Coldwater Community Schools and the Career Center, for which the DDA will reimburse materials through sponsorships once designs and cost estimates are submitted; and professional works (murals and sculptures) procured via a public RFP process.
For sculpture the DDA plans two documents: a one-year loan agreement between the artist and the DDA (covering installation, maintenance, insurance and promotional rights) and a license executed with the City Council that allows temporary placement on public property. Staff noted the licensing step requires two council introductions and a 30-day layover before a public hearing and final council action; the DDA has reverse-engineered timelines to permit sculpture installation in June before festival season. Murals on private buildings would require an agreement with the private property owner; staff said a draft of that agreement is forthcoming.
Staff said sponsorships are in place to cover many student projects; the DDA expects to include purchased or rented professional works within the DDA’s approved budget and with additional sponsorships. The art program committee will issue RFPs, review submissions, recommend shortlists to the board and present draft agreements during the March meeting. Board members were asked to help identify public members for the art program committee and to review evaluation criteria that will appear in the RFP.
No formal action was taken; staff will return with draft RFPs, sample loan/license agreements and recommended committee membership.
