Art board approves reordered community survey, emphasizing qualitative input over statistical sampling

The Arts & Public Places Board unanimously approved a revised Community Arts questionnaire on Sept. 23, voting to reorder sections so questions about recognition and potential deaccession appear earlier in the form.

Board member Tim moved the measure, saying the questionnaire "utilizes a non‑statistically valid methodology intended to gather qualitative community input." Jasmine seconded the motion and the board approved it by voice vote.

The change responds to members’ concerns that longer surveys and celebratory user‑interface elements can suppress completion on phones. One board member told staff the confetti animation felt "disruptive" on a phone; staff said that visual feature can be removed for mobile respondents.

Members debated which demographic items to include. Some argued household income could yield useful context; others warned the community is sensitive to income questions and suggested an optional neighborhood question (e.g., White Rock, North Mesa) as more actionable. Staff emphasized all demographic items would be optional and that select‑limit controls (for example, allowing up to three choices in multi‑select questions) are being used to improve data quality.

Board and staff described the survey as a qualitative tool to help the board prioritize potential removals or relocations of public artworks. One member explained the rationale: recognition data can help identify which pieces are highly visible and therefore may merit broader community engagement before any deaccession decision.

The board instructed staff to implement the edits discussed, publish the questionnaire, and return survey results and recommendations to the board for follow‑up. No date for publishing the survey or a target response deadline was specified at the meeting.