On a soapbox for public art

Day-to-day I represent professional artists: graphic designers, photographers, creative directors, production artists, copy writers and most related creative professions. Many of these professionals also paint, sing, dance, play instruments, write, sculpt, garden, weld, sew, bead, sketch, build furniture or otherwise immerse themselves in the arts to feed their souls. Lots of these creative-types and artists subscribe to this mailing list, as well as those of us who hire, train, educate, administrate and serve as vendors to these folks. Today I find myself on a soapbox talking to all of you about public art. I enjoy being surrounded by thoughtful architecture, colorful sculptures, paintings, photography and the energy of a city that appreciates art. Controversial as public art may be, it creates jobs, adds character to neighborhoods and promotes lively conversation.

I want our creative community to step up and support the already funded and art board-approved public arts project that the Milwaukee Common Council has yet to approve. This effort necessitates timely support, as deadlines for supplies needed by the artist fast approach. Please read the summary of the situation below and join me in supporting public art in Milwaukee!

From an email written by Christine Harris of the Cultural Alliance of Greater Milwaukee:
Many of you may be aware that a public art project, which had gone through the proper process of selection and approval, was taken to task by some of the City Council's Aldermen earlier this week at a Department of Public Works Committee meeting. The project was shelved at least until the next meeting and may be in jeopardy. The Cultural Alliance and many others in the cultural community believe this action has hurt the cause for public art in our community. We are asking you to communicate with the committee Aldermen in support of approving this public art project by Janet Zweig. For more background on the project, please go to Mary Louise Schumacher's blog site http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/artcity.html.

The Cultural Alliance is taking the position that Bob Bryson and Alderman Bauman thought they had the votes to move this project forward and therefore didn't need to rally the troops. We believe we should be thanking Ald. Bob Bauman for his support. In addition, we will be working behind the scenes to help problem solve together with the Aldermen. Hopefully, the combination of grass roots impact and 'grass tops' communication will move this project forward. Both are needed.

In addition to your personal point of view, which is an important expression, here are some talking points:

This public art process was put in to place years ago and the project has been moving forward according to all of the guidelines. The money has already been approved.

The public art committee was comprised of people with the background and commitment of the public interest to make an artist choice that will serve our community well and meet the budgetary requirements.

The chosen artist, Janet Zweig, has committed to spend the $60,000 matching dollars being approved with local artists, thereby giving very valuable jobs to our city and helping to make the project community-relevant. Furthermore, she has a stellar international reputation for her work and a Milwaukee background.

We (the Cultural Alliance) believe that a well structured public art program is critical to having an interesting, culturally diverse community and that it not only adds to our quality of life but it helps to distinguish our region by reflecting our unique expression.

Please, please, please be respectful. We are not going to change attitudes or behaviors by beating people up - that only escalates negative visibility, as we can see by the opening comments being quoted in today's Stingl column. We have learned we still have much advocacy to do. I would like to share some comments from Brad Lichtenstein's well crafted letter to his Alderman.

"We can raise the entire cultural capital of Milwaukee in part by takings risks and supporting public art. You don't need to personally like every piece of public art that you vote on. Art is a matter of preference. You just need to like the idea of crafting a first-class city that can compete in these trying economic times. Art goes hand in hand with better transportation, business development and all of the other efforts to bolster our economy. I hope you'll reconsider your sentiments and support this project. Oh, and by the way, the part the city would pay for supports local artists by giving them jobs." Brad Lichtenstein

Contact information for the Aldermen is below. If you need to see which district you reside or work in so you can make the letter more personal, please go to: http://www.ci.mil.wi.us/router.asp?docid=304 . If you wish to contact YOUR Alderman in support of this project, please do so. Mail Address for all is City Hall, Room 205, 200 E. Wells, Milwaukee, WI 53202

Ald. 4th District Robert Bauman, Chair; rjbauma@milwaukee.gov voted in favor

Ald. 11th District Joe Dudzik, Vice Chair; jdudzi@milwaukee.gov

Ald. 7th District Willie C. Wade; wwade@milwaukee.gov

Ald. 8th District Robert G. Donovan; rdonov@milwaukee.gov

Ald. 9th District Robert W. Puente; rpuent@milwaukee.gov

We also believe that on the larger Common Council, Ald. Mike Murphy and Nic Kovac will likely be supportive.

Next Steps: Once we know the date of the next meeting where this project will be discussed we will get that information to you, along with a suggested strategy.

Thank you for being advocates for our furthering the reputation of our region by being a strong and mobilized creative community.