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1. What is Public Art?

Public Art fits a much broader definition than art in a museum. In simple terms, public art is art work in the public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is acquired through public or private funding. Public art can take the form of a sculpture, mural, paving pattern, lighting, seating, building facade, kiosk, gate, fountain, play equipment, engraving, carving, fresco, mobile, collage, mosaic, Bas-relief, tapestry, photograph, drawing, or earthwork. Whatever its form, public art attracts attention. By its presence alone public art can heighten our awareness, question our assumptions, transform our landscape, or express community values, and for these reasons it can have the power, over time to transform the image of the Village. Public art helps define an entire community’s identity and reveal the unique character of a specific neighborhood. Review these representative examples of

Art in Public Places (PDF).

2. Who Decides What is Public Art?

Because art can be subjective the Village Council will create an Art in Public Places Advisory Board to be composed of five members with diverse backgrounds in Architecture, Fine Arts, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Product Design, History of Art or Architecture and Interior Design. Each member must hold a least a bachelor’s degree in said field and be appointed by the Village Council.

Ultimately, the Board will review and propose art works to be acquired under the Village’s Art in Public Places Program. The Board will issue a recommendation to the Village Council for all art work program acquisitions in accordance with the ordinance.

3. Who Pays Into the Art in Public Places Program?

Any individual who is requesting a building permit for the construction or remodeling of a commercial property whose total improvement or construction value is over $250,000, excluding land acquisition, will pay a one time fee of 1% of said construction value into the trust fund; or any individual who is requesting a building permit for the construction of two or more residential units valued over $250, 000 in aggregate or a single family estate home valued at $750,000 in aggregate, excluding land acquisition, will pay a one time fee of 1% of said construction value into the trust fund. The applicant has two options of paying the Art in Public Places fee: Option 1 Pay the 1% fee into the trust fund Option 2 Provide art in lieu of the fee valued at 1.25% on-site, subject to the Art in Public Places Advisory Board approval For additional information or to request a copy of the Art in Public Places ordinance, please contact the Planning & Zoning Dept. or call 305-259-1271.

4. Why Public Art?

The impact of public art on a community is priceless and immeasurable and once experienced, it only appreciates. Public art has the power to energize our public spaces, arouse our thinking, and transform the places where we live, work, and play into more welcoming and beautiful environments that invite interaction. Public art can make strangers talk, children ask questions, and calm a hurried life. It enhances the quality of life by encouraging a heightened sense of place and by introducing people to works of art.