Staff reports: 'Heal Us' installation, murals on glass and Urbana housing survey announced

City staff provided a series of project updates and community announcements during the April 14 meeting of the Urbana Arts and Culture Commission.

Staff said the 'Heal Us' sculpture installation for the Boneyard Creek Crossing is in coordination with 40 North and Public Works; the current podium sculpture will be decommissioned and the team is aiming for a July installation but cautioned the date is not finalized and fall installation remains possible depending on artist availability and weather. Staff said they are negotiating deinstallation logistics with the current sculpture's artist, Craig Gray, who lives in Florida and may not be available to retrieve the piece directly.

Staff also reported two new 'murals on glass' vinyl installations at the east and south entrances of Lincoln Square Mall, funded by the city's arts and culture funds; the vinyl is transparent from the interior and opaque from the street view. Staff encouraged commissioners and the public to promote ongoing Urbana Arts grants and the open poet-laureate application and noted more information will be provided at a future meeting.

In a related announcement, staff described a citywide housing needs study and asked commissioners to share a survey that closes April 30; the study is a deliverable linked to the city’s comprehensive plan and staff expects a report by July. The survey is 27 multiple-choice questions and staff noted a public computer is available at the community services department for those without a smartphone.

No actions or votes were taken on these items; staff asked commissioners to send follow-up ideas by email and said they will return with more process details on arts programming and the mural review process at a future meeting.