Museum commission asks Portsmouth to fund a $95,000 public art master plan for FY2028

Kiara Underwood, vice chair of the Portsmouth Museum and Fine Arts Commission, asked the city council to authorize development of a citywide public art master plan and requested a one‑time planning budget of $95,000 for fiscal year 2028 to pay consultants, produce estimates and host community engagement sessions.

"Portsmouth supports art without a coordinated framework," Underwood said, outlining the commission's goal to centralize artist selection, project review and long‑term funding strategies so the city can use public art for economic development, tourism and neighborhood revitalization. She said the commission would identify priority locations, funding options and an implementation roadmap and serve as the city's managing body for project review and artist selection.

Council members generally expressed support while asking for details on stakeholder coordination and funding. Vice Mayor Moody asked whether a transient occupancy tax was a viable funding vehicle; Underwood said it was one of several options the master plan would analyze. Councilman Tillich and others urged the commission to involve city planning and engineering staff to ensure projects are installable and sustainable.

Several council members recommended involving local schools and community organizations in planning. Underwood said the commission would form subcommittees and outreach 'think tanks' to gather neighborhood input and noted examples of economic impact from other districts: she cited $33.9 million in retail growth in one 'Vibe District' example and $89.9 million in annual activity in another city.

The commission asked council to "authorize development of a citywide public art master plan with approval for fiscal 2028," and council members signaled support for next steps, including formalizing liaisons and ensuring the effort aligns with broader economic development work already under way.

If council approves the request in the budget process, the plan would recommend funding vehicles (capital budgets, redevelopment districts, transient occupancy taxes or other options) and outline a transparent artist‑selection and project‑review process. Council did not take a final vote during this work session; staff will present the request again with budget details for formal consideration.