As you flip through the pages of the CAN Journal, it is easy to recognize that Cleveland is home to talented artists. What might be less evident is the commitment the City of Cleveland made 10 years ago to engage them in major capital improvement projects.

The city of Cleveland does not tout its Public Art Program, but perhaps it should. Implemented in 2004, it requires that major capital improvement projects—those with a budget of $300,000 and above—designate 1.5% of total costs towards the creation of public art.

This program gives priority to Cleveland artists and encourages them to create lasting public art for the city. This program also promotes equity across neighborhoods, by implementing projects wherever a capital improvement project is taking place, and allowing residents from across the city to experience the benefits of artwork in their neighborhoods. Through this program, Cleveland is making a commitment to give residents of all ages, incomes, and backgrounds access to high-quality art as part of daily life in the city.

More specifically, the Public Art Program was established to give expression to the history, values, identity, and diversity of the city; promote its revitalization; provide opportunities for artists to share their work with the public; involve residents in the process; and integrate public art into the design of public buildings and spaces.

In 2013 and 2014, more than 10 public art projects have been or will be implemented throughout the city. A few 2013 highlights include Corrie Slawson’s Warehouse District Anthology, a collection of stories that tell the history of Cleveland’s first neighborhood in freestanding kiosks on West 6th Street in downtown Cleveland; and “Dendrite,” a large sculpture by artist Olga Ziemska that was installed in December as part of the Professor Avenue streetscape project, to be officially unveiled in April.
 
Construction of the new Third District Police Station in the Midtown neighborhood is currently underway. As part of the Public Art Program, artists Laura Cooperman and Bob Rose of Rose Iron Works have been selected to complete artworks that will enhance the new building.

As its administrator, LAND studio is proud to be a part of this program and happy to have the opportunity to work with some of Cleveland’s many artists. The City’s artistic talent continues to grow, and it is great to see Cleveland making the commitment to artists in city projects, and providing a way for the public realm to express the spirit of the surrounding community. If you are an artist and want to be informed of future Public Art Program opportunities, please sign up on our website to receive updates on our calls for artists www.land-studio.org.
 
LAND Studio
1939 West 25th Street, Suite 200
Cleveland, OH 44113
LAND-stduio.org
216.621.5413

Original Article