Mountain Home Art Walk

ASUMH/City of Mountain Home Art Walk

Public Art Policy

The Art Walk will be an evolution of temporary and permanent pieces of art as chosen by the Art Walk Committee.

Definition of Public Art

Public art refers to any artwork that is created specifically to be displayed or experienced in public spaces, such as parks, plazas, streets, or buildings, rather than in traditional art venues like galleries or museums. Public art can take various forms, including sculptures, murals, installations, performances, or any other artistic expression intended for public consumption. It often aims to engage with the community, provoke thought, foster dialogue, or enhance the aesthetic and cultural experience of a particular place or environment. Public art can be commissioned by government agencies, private organizations, or individuals, and it plays a significant role in shaping the identity and character of public spaces within cities and communities.

ASUMH/City of Mountain Home Art Walk Committee

The ASUMH/City of Mountain Home Art Walk Committee (ASUMH/City AWC) is a group of volunteers from the community who are dedicated to promoting public art and enhancing community engagement with the arts. Their mission primarily focuses on increasing awareness and appreciation of public art within the Mountain Home area.

Key tasks and responsibilities of the ASUMH/City AWC may include:

• Gathering public input: This involves conducting surveys, organizing focus groups, and engaging with civic groups, neighborhood associations, and other community stakeholders to gather feedback and ideas about public art projects and initiatives.

• Recommending projects, programs, and potential artists: Based on the input gathered from the community and their own expertise, the committee may recommend specific public art projects, programs, or potential artists to be considered for implementation.

• Evaluating submissions: When soliciting proposals or submissions for public art projects, the committee may be responsible for reviewing and evaluating the submissions to ensure they align with the goals and vision of the community and meet any established criteria.

• Working with ASUMH and City of Mountain Home staff: The committee collaborates with staff from both ASUMH and the City of Mountain Home to establish budgets for public art projects, coordinate logistics, and ensure that projects are implemented effectively. They may also work together to pursue private sources of funding to support public art initiatives.

Overall, the ASUMH/City AWC plays a crucial role in advocating for public art, fostering community involvement, and contributing to the cultural enrichment and vibrancy of the Mountain Home area.

Guidelines for Public Art

Artists shall abide by the guidelines and parameters outlined below for the Arkansas State University-Mountain Home/City of Mountain Home Art Walk  projects funded by community donors, installed on James and Sally Moore Recreational Trail and the Shirley Baker Nature Trail.  Additional guidelines may be added for specific projects or programs.

 • Artwork should reflect the character and tradition of the location. To inspire the design concept, artists shall engage with the community, observe / interact with users of the space and research historical usage of the location. 

• Artwork shall be designed and constructed with materials and in a manner suitable for the physical environment (indoor or outdoor), including its maintenance and conservation requirements. 

• Artwork should be the appropriate size and scale for the site and should take advantage of site orientation, lighting, landscape, and surrounding features. 

• Artwork shall be designed with the relationship of the work to the site in mind, giving special consideration to how it serves to enhance the public space. 

• Artwork should be of high quality design and workmanship. It should be durable, unique, avoid short-term trends and be timeless.

 • Artwork shall be viewpoint neutral.

 • Artwork from all styles, forms, and functions shall be considered and encouraged.

Selecting Public Art

The ASUMH/City AWC will review design submissions and public input and make recommendations to the ASUMH Chancellor and the Mayor of Mountain Home for those pieces of public art that are intended to be permanently or temporarily installed on public property.

Goals and Economic Impact

A goal of ASUMH/City Art Walk Program is to enhance the quality of life in Mountain Home and demonstrate the partnership’s willingness to invest in the community.

A goal of the ASUMH/City Art Walk Program is to raise the public profile of the recreational trail to stimulate public interest, promote healthy living, enhance a sense of place, create community pride, and establish the city as a destination.  

Potential Funding Mechanisms for Public Art Walk

• Business investment/partnerships with local businesses may be pursued. This may include direct purchase of works of art, sponsorship of programs, naming rights, or donations to the Trail Art Fund located in the ASU System Foundation.

 • Grants – some projects may qualify for State and/or Federal funding. The ASUMH/City AWC will work on writing grants and pursuing other public funding sources.

 • Private Individuals and Groups – a strong public art program and commitment from the ASUMH/City partnership will inspire individuals and groups to contribute their time, talent and treasure. This will be a critical component to long-term success of the program. 

On-going Operations/Maintenance

• ASUMH and the City of Mountain Home would be responsible for maintaining all approved Public Art on campus and public property and should allocate the resources necessary to maintain, secure, and ensure the viability of quality public art unless otherwise agreed upon.

 • Maintenance and Insurance Contracts between the Campus, City,  and the Artist may be negotiated for the duration of the show or time of the piece’s display. 

• The ASUMH/City AWC may establish a program aimed at encouraging private individuals and/or other entities to “adopt” the maintenance of a given piece of public art or botanical garden.