Governor Patrick Signs Executive Order to Support Public Art across the Commonwealth!
Commission will implement percent for art program in Boston and Gateway Cities
On Wednesday, 12/10/2014, Governor Deval Patrick signed an Executive Order establishing both a Public Art Commission (Commission) and Massachusetts Percent for Art Program (MPAP) to support the preservation of existing and creation of new public art in Boston and Gateway Cities across the Commonwealth.
Today’s announcement builds on the Patrick Administration’s historic investments in supporting arts and cultural facilities throughout Massachusetts. The dedicated public art program emphasizes the important role that public art plays in creating cultural symbols and destinations for the benefit of residents and visitors.
Under MPAP, a minimum of .5 percent (not to exceed $250,000) of the cost of the construction or renovation of state-owned buildings and properties will be dedicated to the preservation of existing and the creation of new public art.
The primary responsibility of the Commission will be to administer MPAP, which includes: making curatorial decisions on a project-by-project basis in coordination with members of the Massachusetts artist community who have demonstrated distinguished service to the arts; consulting with pertinent local area and cultural commissions; promoting and encouraging public art; coordinating with the Executive Branch to ensure compliance and participation in MPAP. The Commission may also research other funding mechanisms that may increase the total pool of funds for public art and suggest the development of programming for education and promotion regarding public art.
The Commission will consist of at leasts 10 members who will be appointed by the Governor, including the Secretary of Administration and Finance or designee; Secretary of Housing and Economic Development or designee; Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs or designee; Commissioner of the Devision of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) or designee; representative recommended by the City of Boston; at least two representatives from Gateway Cities; at least two project designers; at least two artists or representatives from nonprofit or community organizations associated with the arts; and up to two qualifying members at the recommendation of the Governor.
In August 2014 the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development convened a Task Force on Public Art to develop a viable plan to support public art in the City of Boston and our Gateway Cities. Over the course of 60 days, the Task Force met to discuss challenges, best practices and recommendations for strengthening the Commonwealth’s pubic art presence. The task force specifically focused on identifying new and existing resources for public art, ensuring reservation of existing works of public art and cataloguing and marketing existing works of public art to maximize the economic development and tourism potential of these pieces.