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Brown Deer adopts public art plan; community foundation to serve as fundraising agent
Summary
The board approved a five-year Brown Deer public art action plan that relies on donations and the Community Foundation to fund art projects; the village said it will not initially use tax dollars to underwrite the program.
The Village of Brown Deer Board of Trustees approved a public art plan on Aug. 4, 2025, adopting a five-year action schedule and a process for selecting and installing public artworks.
Village Manager Tyler said staff compiled the plan using a community survey and internal work; he told the board the village will rely on private donations and the Community Foundation as fiduciary for fundraising rather than village tax dollars. “A lot of the art will be dictated on the donations coming in just because we're not gonna set aside any village tax dollars, initially to support the program,” Tyler said.
The approved plan identifies potential locations, a proposed selection and review committee, and a timeline of activities over five years. Tyler described a selection process that begins with an RFP to artists, review by a committee that would include village staff (public works, parks and recreation, community development), a representative from the Community Foundation, and potentially resident and donor representatives. Final projects on village land would come to the board for approval via a service agreement, Tyler said.
Trustees discussed whether the plan would apply to private-property art; Tyler said private owners have more latitude but that the village could exert more influence if a private property owner sought foundation or grant assistance. The Community Foundation will act as a fiscal sponsor and help solicit donors. The plan does not create a standing municipal appropriation for artwork at this time.
Trustee Johnson moved to adopt the public art plan; Trustee Booker seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote.
Staff said next steps include drafting a press release and beginning outreach to artists and potential donors. The plan document, according to staff, contains an action matrix listing responsible leads and target years for each activity over the next five years.
