Greenwood EDC approves $3,000 to add sculpture to Art on the Trail

The Greenwood Economic Development Commission voted to grant $3,000 to the Parks Department to add an additional sculpture to the city’s Art on the Trail public-art rotation.

Jen Wingett, assistant director of the Parks Department, presented the request and described the program: Art on the Trail rotates loaned sculptures on a two-year schedule, with artists receiving a $3,000 stipend per selection (70% paid at installation, 30% on return). Wingett said the program typically places four rotating sculptures on the trail; the Parks Department is seeking funding to expand the rotation to five sculptures this year and to cover one artist’s stipend. Wingett said there are currently six sculptures along the trail, four on two-year loan that will expire in July and two owned permanently by the city.

Wingett outlined the selection process: a public call for entries, a jury panel of 4–6 people that has included the parks director and representatives from local arts organizations (Southside Art League, Indianapolis Arts Council, Greater Greenwood Arts Council), and a consistent rubric used to choose top entries. Installation and transportation of selected pieces are the artist’s responsibility; the city drafts an agreement and requires the artist to hold the city harmless. New installations are planned for mid-August, with deinstallation of outgoing pieces in late July as needed.

The Parks Department said it has pending grant applications with the Indiana Arts Commission and a metropolitan-area economic development grant program; the department said Parks will cover any remaining shortfall if those grants do not fully fund the expansion. The commission moved, seconded and approved the $3,000 grant by voice vote; the recorded result in the transcript was five ayes.