Correction: An earlier version of this story misstated the next steps for the policy. The policy will need approval from the Visual Arts Committee and the city Arts Commission.
Simplified: Work is well underway on a set of policies that will set the framework for how the city approaches public art, murals, receiving gifts, and how it works with artists in general in the future, according to Arts Coordinator Maren Engel.
Why it matters
- Engel recently celebrated one year in her role with the city – one that was approved by the City Council in late 2023 after several months of back-and-forth and some tension between the city and the arts community.
- Now, she and the city Arts Commission are getting ready to present the Sioux Falls City Council with a draft policy that sets a framework for how the city works with artists in commissioning projects, maintaining art and, when needed, removing artwork from the city's collection.
- Overall, the policy aims to more clearly define the role of the city's Visual Arts Commission – and the importance of public input – in decisions around public art.
- In addition to the new policy, Engel and the commission are working on some potential changes to city ordinances related to murals as well as a document making it easier for folks to understand what the rules are around murals on both publicly and privately owned buildings.
"It's really finding ways – of course to protect the city and the decisions were making – but also, I think, creating much more transparency," Engel said. "There is a lot in the policy about community engagement and making sure we’re doing our due diligence to engage the public when we make decision about art."
Tell me more about what's in the policy
It's important to note two things about the policy before we dig into it:
- One, this is a draft policy that has yet to go before the City Council. The specifics have not been made public, but Engel shared an overview with Sioux Falls Simplified.
- Two, the policy – even if it's approved by the council – will not change city ordinance. It's more of a guiding document with best practices than a "you have to do this" kind of thing.
The policy has four main components:
- Acquiring: This establishes processes for what the city should consider when accepting gifts or donations of art, as well as purchasing existing pieces.
- Commissioning: This establishes processes for what the city should consider when putting out a call for artists for a public art piece like a mural, for example.
- Deaccessioning: This is the formal process for removing art from the city's collection.
- Maintenance: Engel noted that it's important to think about not only the cost of acquiring a piece of art, but also the required costs to ensure the city is taking good care of its assets by maintaining that art.
Engel hopes the policy will not only define those components, but also outline for artists what their rights are.
- There's also heavy emphasis on public feedback at all stages, and considering not only the art itself but the broader context.
"What story is this telling? Where is a location that enhances this piece? And really just thinking much more about the environment artwork creates," Engel said. "Is it truly public? Can anybody in the public enjoy this piece based on where we're placing it?"
What happens next?
The council got a brief overview of the arts policy this week, and it'll be formally approved by both the Visual Arts Committee and the Arts Commission before being adopted into city policy.
Additionally, Engel and the arts commission are also working on a long-range arts and culture strategic plan – a process that's expected to take about a year and a half.
