Explanation
Background:
This ordinance will authorize the Director of Development to enter into contract with Designing Local, LTD. for completion of the High Street Strategic Public Art Plan (Plan). The Plan will coordinate with the design phase of the High Street Streetscape Enhancement Project under the direction of the Department of Public Service (DPS). The planning project area is the High Street corridor from Poplar Avenue on the south to Ninth Avenue on the north.
The Plan will create a cohesive public art strategy for the Short North Arts District and the southern University District. When completed it will evaluate, and as appropriate, recommend ways to integrate art into streetscape amenities, enhance locations for performance art, identify locations for discrete art installations, and recommend the process and language for specific artist calls. (The Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority has undertaken their own interior and exterior public art planning for High Street between Convention Center Drive and I-670, also part of the DPS Streetscape Project.)
A Request for Proposal (RFP) for consultant services was released during the month of June and posted to multiple arts websites, in addition to the City’s bid postings. Five proposals were received, of which two met the RFP requirements. A five member interview panel consisting of representatives from the University District Area Commission, Short North SID, Short North Alliance, Columbus Art Commission, and the Department of Public Service interviewed the firms, selecting Designing Local, LTD. (Columbus). Sub-consulting for Designing Local LTD. is Marc Pally, an artist, curator and arts administrator specializing in public art. Project planning will be inclusive and finely grained to the nuance of the High Street corridor and its uses. A public art budget of $420,000 will be established for this effort, which is contingent upon the city’s Capital Budget and legislative action.
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