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Commission discusses Ely Avenue fencing RFQ, favors local artists and plans selection subcommittee
Summary
The commission reviewed submissions to an RFQ for public art on a chain-link fence along Ely Avenue, signaled a preference for hyper-local artists and agreed to form a selection subcommittee that will recommend finalists and stipend recipients.
Members of the Norwalk Arts and Cultural Commission discussed the Ely Avenue fencing RFQ at length on May 6, favoring local, community-engaged artists and agreeing to form a subcommittee to recommend finalists for proposal stipends.
Brian Casper said the project requires community activation and participation in the creation. Commissioners identified several locally based applicants — Jermaine (surname not specified in transcript), FiveFingers, Oksana and Lauren Clayton (Stamford) — and discussed narrowing the field to artists who demonstrate community-participation plans rather than purely studio or large-sculpture practices.
Casper and others said that several out-of-area applicants had portfolios that did not prioritize community engagement and that, given the location’s context near train tracks and an area in transition, the commission wants artists who will involve neighbors in the work. Commissioners agreed the subcommittee should include two city council members (Darlene Young and another council member referenced during the meeting) plus three commission members to be named; that five-person group will interview candidates and recommend artist finalists for stipends.
Kevin Hoffman suggested the commission could consider whether a project might intentionally shape public behavior or foster “prosocial” outcomes given the site’s transitional character; commissioners said that is a useful consideration for the subcommittee to incorporate into artist guidance.
No formal artist was selected at the meeting. Commissioners discussed extending invitations to local groups such as The ArtSpace and encouraging more local applicants; they noted the RFQ can be reopened if needed. Sabrina (staff member) said the subcommittee will review submissions and present recommendations to the full commission.
