THE ARTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MISSION STATEMENT
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
2005 – 2006
MISSION STATEMENT
The City of Marco Island Arts Advisory Committee will endeavor to provide fine and performing arts opportunities in public places, to enhance the artistic and cultural enjoyment and environment of the City.
GOAL: To encourage and advise the City to acquire original fine art, install it in public places and to support high quality performing arts events for the enjoyment of its citizens.
OBJECTIVE: To increase the beauty and atmosphere of selected public areas within Marco Island, by the addition of original pieces of art; to explore the possibility of a facility for all arts events for the cultural enrichment of all citizens; to increase the City’s inventory of works of art.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
• Identify existing fine art in public places on an existing map of the City
• Become familiar with and attend local art exhibitions and performing arts events.
• Identify a comprehensive inventory of potential public sites and evaluate them for the type of art that would be appropriate. Keep maps and lists current.
• Establish criteria for the selection of either proposed fine art pieces or productions. The criteria for acceptance should be as strict as those for refusal, and be based as objectively as possible on quality and artistic standards rather than personal taste.
• Compile a list of prospective artists whose work might be suitable for each location.
• Compile a list of prospective donors, who might be willing to make a gift of art to the City, or fund a work of art or an artistic event.
• Develop policies to be implemented when considering a piece of art or an event as a gift or donation.
• Recommend a budget for acquiring works or events.
• Recommend a budget to maintain and insure the works in the program.
• Recommend different strategies for acquiring works of art and for staging cultural events.
• Periodically evaluate each piece of work or performance, in order to determine its current relevance and value to the arts program. Be prepared to eliminate worn, irrelevant, or outdated pieces and maintain the collection in good condition.
• Develop a plan (five-year, ten-year) for future acquisitions and events, and an estimated budget to support it.
• Consider a variety of different, original media suitable for the Marco Island climate.
GOAL:
To establish standards to implement during the selection process of:
a) Original works of fine art
b) Good quality performing arts events of all kinds: music, drama, dance
OBJECTIVE: To increase citizen awareness both of the quality and variety of fine art and of artistic productions, and of the City’s participation and commitment to provide and sponsor art in public places.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
• Provide opportunities for city-sponsored competitions where artists vie for a selected site or receive coveted awards.
• Use locations to “brand” the City. E.g. – “Marco Island, the city of sculpture; the quiet little city where art speaks loudly.”
• Provide sites with maximum exposure and acceptable public access to all citizens.
• Provide opportunities for partnerships between the City and private corporations or private citizens who may wish to participate in gifts of art to the City.
• Be prepared for periodic appearances at City Council meetings when relevant.
• Maintain press and media contacts for events as well as any news items, with plans to develop an Arts Calendar to give the public sufficient notice in advance about programs and workshops of interest.
• Establish annual events that become anticipated and habitually well attended.
• Make use of citizens outside the committee to assist with both special programs and other planning. Recognize them for their efforts.
• Develop, using a sub-committee, a detailed guideline of suggestions to act as a reference when adding to the City’s art collection.
GOAL: To advise on increasing funding sources for the arts; to identify and recommend grants and alternate funding resources in order to fulfill the Arts in Public Places program.
OBJECTIVE: To enable the general public to regard art in public places as a way of life rather than an isolated event, and to increase funding for those projects by recommending sources outside the City treasury and assisting staff in preparing grant applications.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
• Examine the current budget. Hold workshops and discussions with City staff to ascertain current available funds.
• Hold workshops and discussions with City Council to ascertain additional resources for specific acquisitions.
• Look for unusual grants or awards that might support one component of the work: median reconstruction; a business on a main street willing to donate space on its property such as a circular driveway.
• Be prepared to make presentations to the private sector or business representatives for additional resources for specific acquisitions.
• Work with other advisory committees and groups within the community both to establish a viable network and to gain support for projects being considered.
• Examine methods of acquisition used by similar communities.
• Request guidance from the executives of the Arts Council of Collier County.
• Meet with artists to gain their support and listen to their suggestions.
• Meet with City officials to discuss potential sites and the kind of work or event that would be appropriate in specific locations. Gain their support.
• Compile a ‘wish list’/catalogue for distribution among potential donors.
• Identify and acknowledge all donations and new additions to the collection. Keep a diary or journal of events as well as future plans.
GOAL: To expand public awareness of the value of visible art in the community by providing relevant information, tours, and educational sessions and seminars on the artists whose work may be seen in public places.
OBJECTIVE: To use the events and/or pieces of artwork as educational tools for residents and visitors of all ages.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
• Co-ordinate with other agencies and facilities such as the Art League of Marco Island, the Library, the Historical Society, music or drama groups, or private galleries to arrange for hands-on experiences or information sessions that relate to various pieces or events.
• Share promotional events and efforts to increase interest and attendance.
• Use tapes and photographs to attract visitors and for use in materials to promote tourism on Marco Island.
• Avoid conflicts and experiment by placing the work or holding the event in different locations. Consider the neighborhood, availability of parking, attendance, visibility, and how it relates to the site.
• Encourage public opinion by staging seminars and meetings at resident-friendly times; ask for feedback.
GOAL: To increase the value of existing public parks and green space by the addition of art and artistic events.
OBJECTIVE: To use the events or works of art to attract visitors to parks.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
• Discuss themes and objectives of sites with other committees, especially if a park, for example, falls within their department. Identify and respect conflicts.
• Establish a sculpture garden or an outdoor performing arts stage in cooperation with the Parks and Recreation Department or the Beautification Committee, to enhance the areas and attract a variety of different people interested in participating in the events.
• Work with City landscape architect to develop each site to the maximum, to showcase objects or events.
• Identify funding sources and possibly share expense with other departments within the City.
GOAL: To contribute to economic development, tourism, and the quality of life through fine and performing art opportunities in Marco Island.
OBJECTIVE: To recommend incentives and initiatives to encourage the business community to support and advocate the fine and performing arts in public places.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
• Research how other communities in the United States and abroad have developed successful working relationships with local business in support of the arts.
• Develop a dialogue with the business community.
• Develop a list of contacts from local industries/firms to work with, including Chamber of Commerce, rotary, and business trade groups.
• Organize educational workshops and discussions with local firms/industries as appropriate, to increase their awareness about and support for current and future public arts projects.
• Consider establishing awards, gifts, promotional events, and other positive rewards and publicity for local businesses that support fine and performing arts in public places.
• Recommend budget sources as necessary to support these activities.
OBJECTIVE: To add value to public places and enhance capital projects, roadsides, and pedestrian corridors through the arts.
ACTIONS/STRATEGIES:
Collaborate with the City’s Parks and Recreation, Beautification, and other advisory committees and City officials as appropriate to ensure the role of art is recognized and incorporated into current and future capital projects.
| 
