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Raleigh Arts Commission presents annual report; council approves work plan
Summary
The Raleigh Arts Commission and Public Art and Design Board reviewed last year’s work—grant awards, new installations and artist‑in‑residence programs—and the council approved the commission’s work plan for the coming year.
The Raleigh Arts Commission and the Public Art and Design Board presented their annual report to City Council Tuesday, outlining grant awards, recent public‑art installations and a multi‑year work plan; council voted to approve the commission’s work plan for the coming year.
"I'm privileged to serve as the chair of the Raleigh Arts Commission," Mary Silver, chair of the Raleigh Arts Commission, told council as she summarized highlights. Silver said the commission supported professional opportunities for hundreds of artists and oversaw grant awards totaling roughly $2.94 million in annual grant awards and multi‑year lease agreements. "Last year, we were able to provide opportunities for hundreds of artists, engage thousands of students in art classes, and provide creative experiences for the community through grants and programs," Silver said.
Angela Lombardi, chair of the Public Art and Design Board, briefed council on current capital‑project work, including 24 active percent‑for‑art projects at various stages and public‑art components of the city’s BRT station work along New Bern Avenue and other corridors. "So right now, we are managing 24 active percent for art projects, in various stages of design, fabrication, and…" Lombardi said, listing artist residencies, wayfinding collaborations and pedestrian‑safety murals among priorities.
Council members asked about the difference between temporary and permanent public art and about mapping and public access to the collection. Sarah Powers, staff liaison, described a collections management system and an interactive GIS map under development and said the commission has enriched public‑art pages to include multiple photos and project pages for major installations.
A councilor moved to approve the arts commission work plan and the motion was seconded. After brief discussion, the council voted to approve the commission’s work plan.
The commission emphasized five strategic priorities for the coming year—leadership, belonging, sustainability, expansion and connection—and identified goals such as implementing the public‑art strategic plan, expanding artist residencies and documenting community history through public art.
