Grant applications that show evidence of community engagement are more competitive. Public art is intended to engage residents, provide a sense of belonging as well as a path for participation in the creation of the project in their community.
Community engagement includes connecting with the people and organizations that live and work in an area where the public art project will be installed. This might include residents, workers, business owners, students, parents, families, artists, partner organizations, schools, and government agencies. Engagement describes an active two-way communication. The goal is to make sure that the community is aware of the project and provided an opportunity to offer input. To gather this information, consider how to reach out and get feedback about the project? How will the Public Art project reflect the values and backgrounds of community members?
Community input is rooted in the idea that people should have a voice in the projects in their community. In many communities, especially communities with predominantly marginalized populations, projects happen “to” people instead of “for” or “with” them. To activate/develop effective projects that serve the needs of stakeholders, it is important for artists and organizations to gather feedback about the public art project. Community input can include surveys, meetings, interviews with individuals, community leaders, impacted business owners, schools and others. The process can ensure that the people in a community are involved at the beginning and throughout a project.
Public art programming can help and support the activation of the public art project. This can engage community members and other stakeholders by creating meaningful opportunities to connect artists and the project to the community. It can also provide exposure and participation to the community in the public art making process while furthering learning or discovery opportunities that may be present through public art installations. Some programming examples include visual art activities, concerts, literary, spoken word programs, poetry, film, video, performance, and dance which can be part of a dedication or community outreach activity for a public art installation.
View Addendum A: Work Samples and Support Materials <— | —> View Addendum C: Mandatory Document Checklist