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Council funds three public-art projects, awards DRIFT Mural Co. contract and OKs temporary street closure
Summary
Newton approved a $30,100 appropriation from the Isaac bequest plus grant funds to cover three public-art projects, awarded a $27,000 mural contract to DRIFT Mural Co., and approved a temporary closure of West 11th Street for installation anticipated in March 2024.
The Newton City Council on Tuesday approved funding and contracts to advance three public-art projects managed by the Newton Public Art Commission.
Communications and Marketing Director Alex Frick presented the projects: a North Newton Textile History Mural, a PixelStix interactive public art gallery, and a utility-box art program. The commission plans to fund the work using FY 2023–24 budgeted funds, pending grant awards and a $30,100 appropriation from the Ken and Betty Isaac restricted bequest.
Frick said the mural selection process drew 51 artist portfolios; the commission selected DRIFT Mural Co. and council awarded the mural contract for $27,000. Council also approved a temporary closure of West 11th Street, which staff said may be intermittent during a roughly two-week installation window in March 2024, and adopted the required budget ordinance amendment.
Councilors framed the projects as investments in downtown appearance and local cultural memory; the record shows the actions were adopted unanimously. The Public Art Commission will finalize contracts and administrative steps before any work begins.
