Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Columbus Art Commission has proposed a legacy public art installation at North Bank Park to commemorate the City's Bicentennial. The Commission has identified two funding sources for the project: the Miranova TIF - Riverfront Vision Account and an unspent percent for art allocation provided by the Ohio Art Council for North Bank Park. Together, these sources comprise the project's overall budget of $250,861. The Riverfront Vision Account, a sub-account within the Miranova TIF, was created to fund improvements set forth in the Riverfront Vision Plan.
This ordinance initiates the project by funding the artist selection process using a $50,000 allocation from the Miranova TIF - Riverfront Vision Account. This initial allocation will be used for three primary purposes: 1) hiring an art professional to oversee and manage the process; 2) funding artists to create site specific project proposals; and 3) retaining an individual to assist with staffing the artist selection panel and curatorial team, and other project related duties. The Director of Development will enter into a series of contracts to undertake these steps, with no single contract exceeding $20,000.
This ordinance also authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a professional services contract with Shelly Willis and to waive the competitive bidding provisions of Chapter 329 of the City Code. Ms. Willis is a nationally noted art professional with over 15 years experience managing complex public art projects. She is currently serving as a curator for Columbus Public Art 2012, a temporary public art exhibition planned for downtown Columbus during the city's bicentennial year. Her selection to lead the artist selection process and advise the City during the commissioning phase will contribute to a coordinated effort. This legislation is filed as emergency to meet the timeframes of the 2012 Bicentennial celebration.
CITY DEPARTMENTS RECOMMENDATION: Approval
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