Hampton Arts Commission outlines public art program, recommends two downtown sites

The Hampton Arts Commission on Tuesday presented a framework for a new public art program intended to "cultivate a fun, vibrant, and creative community by supporting and expanding the creation of public art throughout the city," Chair Dr. Karen Ward told the council.

Dr. Ward said the commission proposes a unifying theme — "from the sea to the stars, past, present and possible" — for artists to interpret and recommended two inaugural sites: the Downtown Hampton Settlers Landing Road parking garage for murals and stairwell extensions, and Queensway between Kings Way and Wine Street for sculptures or installations designed to animate pedestrian space. She said the commission expects to include RFP details such as location, theme, size, ownership, selection criteria and timelines in a forthcoming request for proposals.

Council members pressed for operational details. "I would just like to ask the city manager to, consider putting monies into the budget for long term maintenance of these projects," Councilwoman Campbell said, raising the need to fund restoration and upkeep. City Manager flagged an option suggested by consultants: partnering with a local nonprofit arts foundation to administer awards as an alternative to a rigid city RFP process.

Dr. Ward said the commission plans to assemble juries that include city staff, commissioners, art professionals and stakeholders and to circulate the RFP through artist lists and university networks. The city manager told council that a consent-agenda action on the evening docket will ask council to formally initiate the commission's next steps. "We plan to continue with the subcommittee and looking at the other areas that were strongly considered," Dr. Ward said when asked how the program might expand beyond the inaugural sites.

The council did not take formal action during the afternoon work session; the manager noted staff will include follow-up items on the evening agenda.