Placement: Consent Agenda
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Approve the Recommended Art Submissions for Utility Box Wraps Citywide.
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Submitted By: Bethany Grubbs, AICP, Senior Planner/Public Art Program
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to enjoy culture, nature and fun activities.
Executive Summary (General Business): Due to the depletion of available images, a new call to artists was issued to replenish the collection and support upcoming utility box wrap installations as well as refresh existing ones.
Presentation Information: N/A
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve the selected utility box wrap submissions as recommended by the Public Art Advisory Board (PAAB), without assigning order or priority.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the selected utility box wrap submissions.
2. Move that the Council reject the utility box wrap submissions and provide staff direction.
Background: The first call for submissions, open from February 21 to April 7, 2025, welcomed all styles of artwork without restriction, including drawings, paintings, and photographs. A second call was later issued, extending the submission period through April 30, 2025, but limited eligibility to photographic works only. Our experience has been that the photographs work the best when utilized in this application, so we are focusing on those images initially.
Artists were encouraged to submit artwork that celebrates Florida’s natural beauty, including but not limited to:
• Local flora and fauna
• Landscapes and natural environments
• Endangered species and conservation
• Unique neighborhood characteristics
Issues/Analysis: Staff received 29 submissions in response to the Call to Artists for utility box wraps featuring photographic artwork. To streamline the selection process, the Public Art Advisory Board reviewed the submissions and voted by simple majority to shortlist 15 that were deemed most appropriate for use. In addition to the newly selected photographs, the City still retains a pool of illustrated artworks from a previous call. These illustrated works will be considered for future use and will go through the same shortlisting process by the Public Art Advisory Board before implementation.
Financial Information: Artists are not compensated for their submissions; however, selected works may include the artist's signature as a form of public recognition.
Special Consideration: Installation timing, locations, or rotation order will be determined later by staff.
Location of Project: Citywide
Business Impact Statement: N/A
Attachments:
1. Shortlist: Top 15 Photographs
2. Call to Artists
3. Call to Artists - Extended
4. Photo Entries (All Submissions)
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Russell Ward, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.