Public Art

SIG-8

Observation

Baton Rouge has few works of public art.

Discussion

Public art enriches the lives of citizens, increases access to the arts and helps to create a sense of place. A number of cities such as New Orleans, Seattle, Miami, Dallas and Austin have established public art programs which have helped to define their identity and create community pride. Even smaller cities, such as Shreveport and Monroe have begun to recognize the importance of public art in downtown development. Downtown Baton Rouge would benefit from additional public art. Murals, sculptures and design elements can help to improve the pedestrian experience, create an exciting, high quality retail environment and are an inexpensive way to beautify the city.

Recommendation

Encourage the creation of more public art downtown. Baton Rouge should examine the possibility of adopting a Percent For Art program whereby one percent of capital improvement projects is dedicated for the creation and acquisition of public art.

Project Status

Arts Council, DDD, and Plan Baton Rouge were unsuccessful in their application to the Division of the Arts for a grant to incorporate public art in the Streetscape improvement plan in 2000. The Arts Council has formed an Arts District Needs Assessment Committee to discuss the formation of an Arts District downtown as recommended in Create Baton Rouge.

Implementation

Explanation of Terms

Product

Public Art

Responsibility

Arts Council

Implementing Agent

Arts Council

Feasibility Analysis

Arts Council

Initial Financing

None

Project Financing

Private Donations or Percent for Art Program

Timing