Middleton arts committee eyes Pheasant Branch tunnel site for public art using half-percent funds

Committee members discussed a potential public-art installation at the proposed pedestrian tunnel where Pheasant Branch Creek passes under Century Avenue, a location Sebastian described as a high-traffic, public-facing site that could be appropriate for half-percent-funded art.

Sebastian told the group he favored "putting a tunnel at the at Pheasant Branch Creek where it crosses under Century Avenue" to create a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists. Committee members cautioned that the road and tunnel project are under Dane County’s jurisdiction. Scott estimated design work could occur in 2026 with reconstruction perhaps in 2027, and the committee asked staff to estimate how much half-percent funding might be available by that time.

Why it matters: a large public sculpture or installation at a key trailhead can be a conspicuous use of the committee’s allocated half-percent-for-art funds, but the committee must coordinate with county schedules, property owners and conservancy stakeholders and may need to combine half-percent receipts with grants or private donations to cover a substantial piece.

Members discussed fund mechanics. Committee members referenced a typical per-year inflow ("average of 30,000 per year") and a per-year cap that committee members described as "up to $60" (thousand). They noted the ability to accumulate the half-percent receipts over two or more years to reach the scale needed for a large sculpture; Michelle Phillips said more substantial pieces can approach or exceed $90,000.

The group directed staff to follow up: Scott and Jolene were asked to check recent TIF and half-percent receipts, confirm whether the Pheasant Branch Conservancy would permit an installation on or adjacent to conservancy land, and coordinate with county engineers so the arts committee can engage at the appropriate stage of the county’s design process.