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Public Arts Commission hears updates on Breeders' Cup partnership, MLK Bridge mural prospects and welcomes new staff
Summary
Commissioners reported limited funding for a potential Breeders' Cup partnership, said state transportation officials appear open to an MLK Bridge underpass mural (prefer mural over lights), and welcomed Hannah Krebs from the Office of Growth Management as the commission's newest member.
At its May 5 meeting, the Lexington Public Arts Commission discussed several agenda items beyond the Eylar Bridge mural, including ongoing talks about partnering on Breeders' Cup events, preliminary state interest in an MLK Bridge underpass mural, and a staff appointment.
A commissioner reported that the Porter's Commission and corridors commission conversations about supporting Breeders' Cup events hinge on limited local funding; the commissioner said the quarters commission’s budget is tight for the next fiscal year and that follow-up with the mayor’s office is under way to determine whether any city funds might be available to support partnership work.
Commission members also described renewed contact with the state transportation office on the MLK Bridge underpass: state staff appear more amenable to a mural than to a lighting installation, and commissioners discussed the possibility of paying artists to develop proposals even if the state decision remains tentative. One commissioner recommended a request-for-qualifications (RFQ) process to shortlist 3–5 artists to produce paid proposals if funding were available.
The commission welcomed Hannah Krebs, a new member who comes from the Division of Planning’s Office of Growth Management and the outreach and strategic planning team; members said her addition fills the commission’s final seat. Commissioners also expressed a desire for clearer oversight and transparency of how selection committees are formed for major projects, citing a previous downtown project where the commission felt out of the loop.
Next steps for these items included further meetings with the Porter's Commission and the mayor’s office on potential funding for Breeders' Cup partnerships, possible RFQ planning if the MLK Bridge project proceeds, and continuing to loop commission members into selection processes for larger projects.
