HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-013 Approving PT Arts Commission public art plan Dec 8, 2008RESOLUTION NO. 09-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT TOWNSEND,
WASHINGTON, APPROVING THE PORT TOWNSEND ARTS COMMISSION
PUBLIC ART PLAN DATED DECEMBER 8, 2008.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend approved the Art in Public
Place Policy on October 15, 2007, as recommended by the Arts Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Arts Commission now recommends a conceptual framework for
implementing the Art in Public Place Policy, as set forth on the attached Exhibit A. Generally,
the Plan sets a priority for siting public art between the two current major capital construction
projects planned for Port Townsend, ane far the downtown Water Street area, the maritime
entrance to Port Townsend and the other for Upper Sims Way; the vehicular entrance to the City.
The Plan priorities siting of public art in the Downtown Urban Streetscape and Waterfront Area
as part of the revitalization of the area. The Plan also confirms the placement and selection
process outlined in the Public Arts Policy (Oct. 15, 2007).
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Port Townsend determines by this
Resolution to approve the Public Art Plan as recommended of the Port Townsend Arts
Commission .
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Port
Townsend that the Public Arts Plan, as recommend by the Arts Commission and set forth on the
attached Exhibit A, is hereby approved.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Port Townsend at a regular meeting
thereof, held this 6th day of Apri12009.
Attest:
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Pamela Kolacy, MMC
City Clerk
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Michelle Sandova ,Mayor
Approved as to form:
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Jahn P. Watts
City Attorney
Resolution 09-013
City of Port Townsend
Port Townsend Arts Commission
Public Art Plan
2008/2009
Background:
The City of Port Townsend has a deep and abiding commitment to art and culture, as articulated
in the Community Direction Statement from the Comprehensive Plan: "A regional center of
culture and learning, Port Townsend provides its citizens with quality elementary and secondary
instruction, as well as career training and college education needed for success and personal
enrichment. The City offers world class arcs and entertainment and continually celebrates its
cultural and historical assets by hosting many exciting festivals and events. An}>vvhere in town,
we are only a convenient bike ride or walk from work, classes, dining, entertainment, and home.
This closeness reinforces the tie between Port Townsend's economy, culture and a large
residential community. People live here because they enjoy being in the midst of the natural
beauty and cultural amenities of Port Townsend."
The City of Port Townsend, Art in Public Places Policy and Procedures stipulates that the Public
Art Committee of the Port Townsend Arts Commission "prepare an annual plan that identifies
and prioritizes public projects that shall include public artwork. The Public Art Plan may include
artwork resulting from city construction projects as well as artwork proposed by community
groups or other public departments or boards for placement at existing facilities."
The Opportunity:
As codified in the PTMC Chapter 3.50, the City "allocates 1% of the capitalized costs of eligible
public construction projects for the creation or placement of artwork or works as part of the
construction project."
The City currently has several such public capital projects that are in process or in the planning
phases. As a result, the Public Art Committee and the Port Townsend Arts Commission
recommend the following Public Art Plan for 2008/2009.
The Plan
The Conceptual Framework.
The Committee is committed to the core community values of the City of Port Townsend
including the notion of "quality of place," thereby ensuring that the City remains an attractive
place to live, work and visit. The arts are essential to guarantee that quality of life and to ensure
that we remain a vibrant and engaged community. The Committee believes that public art is also
a key component of an arts-based economic development strategy since it is a public investment
in the cultural fabric that links infrastructure to community sustainability, economic vitality and
civic values.
There are two current major capital construction projects planned for Port Townsend, one for the
downtown Water Street azea, the maritime entrance to Port Townsend and the other for Upper
Sims Way, the vehicular entrance to the City. Our community has a rich heritage as an active
seaport and cultural destination, supported by a robust business and commercial sector. We now
Eshtbit A to Resolutioiz 09-013
have an opportunity to unite, symbolically and literally, the City's business and cultural realms
through the placement of public art at the two portals to Port Townsend. A cultural and
commercial corridor iconically marked by public art sited at the gateways will enhance the City's
identity as a venue fox world class arts while also serving as a key development asset,
contributing to the local economy.
The sole reason for prioritizing is a reflection of the City's stated capital funding and
construction schedule.
Priority #1: Downtown Urban Streetscape and WaterfYOntArea:
The City has adopted a downtown urban streetscape plan that includes the enhancement of
existing open spaces, the adaptive reuse of established architectural and design elements, the
addition of new and the augmentation of existing community meeting places, and the use of
landscaping that invites public engagement. This revitalized waterfront area, stretching from the
Northwest Maritime Center at Point Hudson to Quincy Street, will celebrate the intersection of
our historic and commercial cityscape with accessible seascape. Public art will be sited within
this location, creating an area of public focus for activities which complement our maritime
connection, public markets, special events, and community gatherings.
Priority #2: Upper Sims Way Urban Landscape arzd Howard Street Corridor:
The City is committed to the improvement, renovation and enhancement of the main vehiculaz
entrance to Port Townsend on State Route 20/Upper Sims Way and to the development of a new
corridor on Howard Street. As funding becomes available for these projects, there will be a
unique opportunity to site public art in a way that enlivens the streetscape, stimulates cultural
activity, promotes wayfinding, and reflects the creativity and entrepreneurial life of Port
Townsend.
Siting and Usage:
Recommendations about the specifics of placement will emerge through the work of the Artist
Selection Panel. The Public Art Committee is committed to the process fox decision-making
outlined in the Art in Public Places Policy as well as to the notion of thoughtfully inclusive
participation by the public and stakeholders.
It is our intent, however, that the work(s) be sited so as to enliven the urban streetscape on Upper
Sims Way and/or to encourage pedestrian activity in the downtown Water Street area while
catalyzing residents and visitors alike to engage with the art and participate in the cultural
vibrancy of the City. Port Townsend is both intimate in scale and infinite in scope and the siting,
quality and context of the public art will be emblematic of those characteristics.
It is the intention of this Art Plan that the Artist Selection Panel-to be constituted as percent for
the arts funding becomes available and as per the Art in Public Places Policy-- will duly consider
all of these aspirations and attributes of the City's cultural and commercial community as it
makes recommendations about artists, art and placement.
PTAC approved and recommended to Council 12/8/08
Exhibit A to Resolution U9-0I3