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Hampton Arts Commission outlines inaugural public-art program, proposes downtown sites and citywide theme
Summary
The Hampton Arts Commission presented a public-art program framework that proposes a citywide theme, two downtown inaugural sites and an RFP process; council asked staff to consider maintenance funding and nonprofit partnership options to streamline awards.
The Hampton Arts Commission on Tuesday presented a plan for an inaugural public-art program that the commission said aims to “cultivate a fun, vibrant, and creative community” through commissioned pieces across the city. Dr. Karen Ward, chair of the commission, said the commission proposes the theme “From the Sea to the Stars — past, present, and possible” to provide a broad, cohesive vision artists can interpret.
The commission recommended two initial sites in Downtown Hampton: the Settlers Landing Road parking garage for exterior murals that could extend into stairwells, and the Queensway between Kingsway and Wine Street for sculptures or installations intended to animate the space. The commission also identified additional gateways and sites visible from I-64 as potential future locations.
The commission told council the plan would use the city’s public-art RFP approach, with submissions evaluated by a jury composed of city staff, commission members, arts professionals and area stakeholders. Distribution plans cited artist rosters including the Charles Taylor and Hampton University lists. Dr. Ward said the RFP will specify theme, location, medium, project costs, ownership and copyright terms, and selection criteria.
Council members pressed staff to account for long-term maintenance costs. “I would just like to ask the city manager to, consider putting monies into the budget for long term maintenance of these projects,” Councilwoman Campbell said, noting examples of maintenance expense for outdoor artworks. Dr. Ward replied the inaugural pieces are intended to be permanent and maintained as “splash pieces.”
City staff also reminded the commission of a recommendation from Bloomberg consultants to consider partnering with a nonprofit arts foundation so the selection could be administered outside some municipal procurement requirements. The city manager said that option is available and that the commission may return with a recommendation whether to proceed with the city RFP or a nonprofit partnership.
Staff noted an evening consent-agenda item will formally initiate the next steps the commission outlined. Councilmembers praised the subcommittee’s work and encouraged outreach to the general public; Dr. Ward said the RFP and selection celebrations will include public circulation and events.
The commission said the CIP currently includes an annual allocation of $100,000 and the inaugural funding round is $250,000.
