Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Art topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Michigan City Public Art Committee details scholarships, collection and asks council to create ‘percent‑for‑art’ program
Summary
The Michigan City Public Art Committee presented its 2025 annual report, saying it awarded 11 scholarships, displayed dozens of works (including 5 new Sculpt Fusion pieces) and used ARPA funds for recent purchases. The committee asked the council to work with city planners on a percent‑for‑art program tied to construction projects.
The Michigan City Public Art Committee delivered its 2025 annual report to the Common Council on Feb. 3, outlining the committee’s programming, collection value and an ask for formal city policy.
“Art in public places humanizes cities, making them more beautiful, meaningful, healthy, and connected,” Matthew Kubik, architect and professor emeritus, told the council as he introduced the group’s presentation. Committee representatives described scholarship awards, rotating exhibits and investments in permanent pieces.
Shannon Eason summarized committee activity this year: the group awarded 11 student scholarships, continued the Sculpt Fusion rotating exhibit and placed five new sculptures across the city, including new work in neighborhoods and the Uptown Arts District. Committee members said the public collection now includes about 31 permanent pieces and dozens of temporary installations.
Janet Block, director of Lubeznik Center for the Arts, said the committee is “limited by the budget” when awarding scholarships but is committed to expanding access and neighborhood outreach. Kathy Dennis said the committee is pursuing more murals and larger sculptures to “pick up people’s eyes as they come into the community.”
The committee credited recent ARPA funding approved by the council for enabling some purchases and highlighted a move of a local piece (Owl and Pussycat) from Westcott Park to 9th and Franklin to increase visibility. It also reported higher engagement after a recent marketing partnership and Autocast audio guides, which the committee said substantially increased audio listens to artwork recordings.
Looking ahead, the committee asked the council to work with city planners on a percent‑for‑art program tied to municipal construction projects, a policy the presenters said would provide a predictable funding stream for public art and neighborhood installations.
Council members thanked the committee for programming and local outreach and encouraged continued work on the proposed percent‑for‑art policy. The presentation closed with council praise and a pledge to consider a workshop or follow-up on the committee’s request.
