Policies and Procedures
Public Art Policy The Art Walk will be an evolution of temporary and permanent pieces of art as chosen by the Art Walk Committee. 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.
Definition of Public Art
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.
