Public Art and Cultural Commission – March 21, 2024

Public Art & Cultural Commission Meeting Recap – March 21, 2024

On March 21st, the Public Art and Cultural Commission held a hybrid meeting (available on the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel and publicinput.com/w6662) to discuss key initiatives related to public art, artist support, and cultural programming within Asheville. The meeting covered a range of topics aimed at strengthening the city's vibrant arts scene and ensuring equitable access to cultural experiences.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to electing a Vice Chair, resulting in an unusual outcome: both Pat Kappas and Brent Skidmore were elected to the position. Mr. Skidmore, a professor of public art and administration at UNCA with extensive experience in public art projects and involvement with the STEAM Studio and Arts Center, was a particular focus of discussion. Commissioners highlighted his expertise and potential contributions to the commission's work. The dual election reflects a desire for diverse perspectives and potentially shared leadership within the Commission.

Beyond the Vice Chair election, discussions centered on refining the Public Art and Cultural Commission’s (PAC) work plan. Staff member Carly presented updates, emphasizing the need to streamline priorities and organize projects into short-term "focus groups" and longer-term "working groups." The commission agreed to prioritize a few key projects for the year, signaling an intention to concentrate efforts and maximize impact. A notable update also came from John Fillman of the Department of Community and Regional Entertainment Facilities, who provided an overview of the Urban Trail Committee's efforts to reinstall a historic Art Deco mosaic (Station No. 7) and commission a new artwork for the S&W building location. The committee plans to issue a call for artists, and importantly, will involve PAC members in the selection panel, formalizing a closer working relationship between the two groups. The commission also discussed updates to competitive selection criteria for events, a process they will be reviewing and providing recommendations on.

There was no public comment taken during the meeting, nor were there any written or voicemail comments received prior to it. Despite this lack of direct community input, the discussions around the Urban Trail Committee project and the competitive selection criteria highlighted a commitment to ensuring transparency and inclusivity in public art initiatives. Chair Joanna Patrice Haggerty emphasized the importance of clear communication during streamed meetings, reinforcing the commission's role in promoting public art and its benefits for artists and tourism.

Looking ahead, several action items were identified. The commission will discuss a potential adjustment to the April meeting date due to staff absence, gather member input, and announce the decision later. A PAC member will be selected to participate in the Urban Trail Committee's artist selection panel, ensuring the commission’s voice is heard in this important project. Finally, the PAC will continue to refine its work plan priorities and provide recommendations on the competitive selection criteria. The city is also moving forward with executing the Reparations Jamboree event on April 27th. These ongoing efforts demonstrate a commitment to fostering a thriving and accessible arts ecosystem within Asheville, ensuring that public art continues to enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.