City of Cedar Rapids

The Public Art Commission meeting agenda included several key items. Action items centered on updating the by-laws. Discussion topics involved the Ricochet and Skyblade Request for Proposal (RFP) and the Draft Workplan for 2023. The agenda also scheduled time for public input and member updates/announcements.

The meeting included a recommendation for a $50,000 budget for the ASJ mural project. A draft of the 2022 Work plan was unanimously recommended for City Council consideration. A concept for a new mural in the MedQ, slated for installation at a Citywide Cleaners property in the spring, was discussed. A member update included information regarding a 1959 mural recently relocated to the Cherry Building.

The virtual meeting commenced with a roll call, noting that the meeting was held electronically due to health and safety concerns related to COVID-19. Key action taken involved the approval for the Czech Village Association to hire an artist to carve a mushroom sculpture from a tree damaged in the Derecho, to be placed on City property, with the association responsible for maintenance and ownership formalized via a Memorandum of Understanding. Discussion items focused on reviewing the scope of services for hiring a consultant to develop the Visual Arts Master Plan, including feedback on assessing current art placement, identifying opportunities for art integration in major public works projects like the flood control system, and planning for ongoing public engagement.

Key discussion points included the welcome of a new commissioner. A primary recommendation item concerned the second phase of the American Discovery Trail mural, where the commission voted not to recommend proceeding due to the artist's failure to incorporate feedback regarding design modifications. A brief update was provided on maintenance needs for 'Ricochet,' with a decision tabled until the subsequent meeting.

The agenda for the meeting includes a Roll Call, Public Input, and several Action Items concerning murals, specifically the Wilson Middle School Mural Project, the Iowa Big Utility Box Project, and CVNT Mural Selection. There is also a Discussion Item regarding a Mural Partnership with Advocates for Social Justice.