Coming right on the heels of Valentine’s Day, it looks like Manchester just got a big kiss on the lips from the Percent-for-Art Program. A large sculpture will be installed in front of the Hull Street Library. The Public Art Commission will hold two public meetings to gather input from the community and to share information about the project.

For all of you who may not know, the city council back in the 90’s appointed a Public Art Commission to administer a Public Art Program. The program ensures that art will have a place in public spaces throughout the city with the participation from communities during several stages of the process. A 1% allocation for the art comes from the city’s capital budget for new or renovation projects with budgets over a certain amount.

So Manchester, it looks like we’ve been handed an opportunity to showcase our passion in a meaningful way through the use of artistic expression. I encourage you to participate and let your creativity flow! Here are the details from the City’s Eventbrite invitation:

“There will be two free meetings and everyone is welcome. Please come to an informational meeting to hear about an upcoming call for public art for the Hull Street Library. Public Art program staff and members of the Richmond Public Library will be there to answer your questions about the project and the process.”

Click here to register for 1st Meeting for free – February 28, 2017 – 6:00 – 7:30 pm

Click here to register for 2nd Meeting for free – March 4, 2017 – 1:00 – 2:30 pm

Artists, community members please attend with your passion, voice, enthusiasm, and questions! Information on what you would like this sculpture to represent needs to be obtained from all of you so that a meaningful Response for Qualifications/Response for Proposal can be put together with your information and sent out to artists following these two meetings. 

“The City of Richmond’s Public Art Program is dedicated to a public art selection process that engages neighborhood residents, artists, community and civic stakeholders in an active and productive dialogue to articulate and represent the community’s shared vision as well as aspirations for the future of Richmond as a thriving creative city. Public Art can influence the quality of life for all of Richmond’s residents and consequently contributes to our community and economic development by creating a sense of pride in our neighborhoods as well as adding an element of beauty. The Public Art Program strives to develop public art that reflects our history and culture, while also celebrating our shared vision and aspirations for the future. We endeavor to showcase inspiring artwork in a diversity of artistic styles by regional, national, and international artists.”

I can’t wait to participate, hope to see you all there Manchesterites! xoxo