Title
Resolution to Authorize the Mayor to Submit an Application to the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge for the Art Project “Float” by Wonderfool Productions
Memorandum
This resolution authorizes the Mayor to apply for a grant under the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, which is a grant program to support temporary public art projects that are collaborations between artists, arts organizations, and City government. If selected, the grant will be for a 24-month period.
The City solicited proposals for temporary art projects through the Office of the Mayor and in collaboration with the Chair of the Ann Arbor Public Art Commission (“AAPAC”). The Mayor convened a review group consisting of staff and a member of AAPAC to review the proposals. The review group selected and recommends that Council support submission of “Float” by WonderFool Productions. The application is due April 19, 2018.
Budget/Fiscal Impact: The Bloomberg grant provides up to $1 million for selected projects. No funds are required to apply. However, the grant will not cover 100% of project costs and so if selected, additional funds will need to be provided. The estimated cost of the project is $1.1 million, with $975,000.00 requested to come from the Bloomberg grant. The proposal anticipates the remaining $125,000.00 to come in the form of contributions of money or in-kind materials and services from private entities, corporate sponsorships, public grants, and foundation grants. No City funds are included in the project’s current proposed budget.
Staff
Prepared by: Christine Schopieray, Executive Assistant
Reviewed by: Christopher Frost, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Approved by: Howard Lazarus, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, A review group, consisting of the Mayor, staff, and a member of Ann Arbor Public Art Commission reviewed proposals for temporary art projects to be submitted as part of an application to the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge;
Whereas, The art project “Float,” by Wonderfool Productions, intends to raise appreciation and awareness about the Huron River’s history and ecology; to encourage sustainable practices, and to generate recreational, cultural, and economic impact in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti through a positive, shared event; and
Whereas, The review group recommends that “Float” be submitted to the Public Art Challenge as the City’s proposed art project;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor be authorized to submit an application to the Public Art Challenge for “Float” and to take all appropriate actions to implement this resolution; and
RESOLVED, That City Council supports the submission of “Float” as the City’s entry for the Public Art Challenge and request that this support be reflected in the application.
Sponsored by: Mayor Christopher Taylor