I wanted to share a recent letter I sent advocating for best-practices when it comes to facilitating public art projects. This letter was written after learning that Dan Webb’s preliminary designs for art in the Olympia City Hall was posted on a website with an invitation for public comment. Subsequently officials were thinking of pulling the artist from the project…
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Greetings,
As a young professional who often travels to Olympia to visit the legislature, I am excited to learn about the new public art being created for the Olympia City Hall. Olympia is a wonderful community and can only be made richer by the integration of unique public art projects. Reading through your site, it sounds as though the process you used to select artist Dan Webb was thorough, appropriate and typical for this type of project. I believe in the effectiveness of the RFQ and panel selection process and commission approval, and have every faith that Mr. Webb will create a fantastic piece to compliment your City Hall.
I’m writing today to express my disappointment that you posted the artists’ preliminary project drawings on a website to solicit public comment. While I applaud efforts to engage the community and contextualize art, I don’t believe this was the most productive forum. Posting a web page with a preliminary proposal can’t possibly provide enough context to A) Allow the public to fully understand the artist’s vision and intent and give constructive feedback; B) support the artist by protecting them from uninformed attacks (from the public, media and otherwise); and C) defend the ideals, leadership and planning that have so thoughtfully allowed for public dollars to be spent on intentional public infrastructure.
I can only imagine from the press coverage, that the artwork, artist and even the philosophy of integrating public art are under fire right now. I hope you will take negative comments with a grain of salt. First because response to artwork is individual and subjective. It is important that a diversity of art is created to respond to the diversity of aesthetics represented in our communities. Second, the artist deserves more time and support to create a successful work of art. Third, because the benefits of art are multi-faceted. Art increases the livability, walkability and desirability of neighborhoods, which in turn, drives local economy, health and more resources for better quality of life. Public art projects = jobs when artists buy materials locally, work with local contractors and engineers and fabricators to assist with the execution of these projects. In a time of fear and uncertainty, we need to invest in our communities, follow strategic plans, not abandon effective programs that stimulate stronger, healthier communities.
Public artists are skilled professionals, most of whom have devoted their careers to this specialized art form. They are experienced in working with public infrastructure. I have full faith that since Mr Webb was chosen through the detailed process you outlined, that he will create something appropriate and thought provoking, art that will uniquely reflect the spirit of Olympia and it’s citizens.
Sincerely yours,
Sara Edwards
4Culture
