West DSM News

City of Waukee Forms New Public Art Advisory Commission

Public art enhances the feel of a city, enriches the lives of residents and serves as a draw for economic development. With this in mind, the City of Waukee is establishing the Waukee Public Art Advisory Commission as an advisory body to the Mayor and City Council. The Waukee Public Art Advisory Commission will help develop and implement a unified public art strategy for the Waukee community. A first step will be developing a master plan, which can define goals, policies and action steps to encourage and guide public art as the City evolves. As a master plan is put in place, the commission will advise the Mayor and City Council on proposals, guidelines and other matters related to public art.

“Public art can be iconic as well as part of the daily fabric of a community, but it takes coordination and planning,” said Matt Jermier, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Waukee. “This commission will be invaluable in establishing a framework to enrich our community through a variety of art.”

This seven-member commission will explore and consider public art that is visually and physically accessible to residents and visitors within indoor and outdoor public spaces. Public art could include:

• Stand-alone pieces, such as sculptures, statues or structures
• Pieces integrated into the built environment (e.g., façades, pavements or landscapes), such as bas reliefs, mosaics or digital lighting
• Applied art (to a surface), such as murals or building-mounted sculptures
• Direct hands-on interaction pieces, such as interactive musical, light, video or water components

Mayor Courtney Clarke is currently seeking Waukee residents with interest and passion for guiding public art in the City of Waukee. Applicants of all backgrounds, expertise and experience are invited to apply for the commission. Applications for the initial board will be accepted through October 9, 2022. Mayor Clarke will review applications and expects to appoint board members later this year so that the commission can begin their work at the start of 2023. Apply here!

“Public art should be representative of the community around it. I’d like to fill this commission with diverse experiences and perspectives, so our master plan can create space for a wealth of art pieces that reflect the rich and diverse community of Waukee.” said Mayor Courtney Clarke.

Instances of public art in Waukee:

• Railroad Pergola: In the Shadow of the Rails installation at the trailhead for the Raccoon River Valley Trail
• Harp in Triangle Park
• “W” in the center of the roundabout on Warrior Lane
• City of Waukee logo signs + banners on the light poles and in medians
• Veterans memorial near the Community Center
• American Gothic sculpture at the Waukee Public Library
• Engraved rock outside the Public Safety building
• Mural on Kenny’s Garage
• Sculpture outside the YMCA building in Waukee
• "&" sculpture at Kum & Go gas stations

Learn more about the commission or apply here.

Original source can be found here.