Policy: The Public Space Project

Highlights

Over the course of 3 seasons, the Public Space Project:

• Funded the execution of 15 public art projects;

• Injected almost $50,000 into the local creative economy;

• Was awarded funds from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation;

• Received sponsorship from private partners;

• Was recognized as a Best Practice by the International Downtown Association;

• Was lauded by local press, the City Council, the Durham Cultural Advisory Board, and the Durham Public Art Committee;

• Pivoted to include online elements to support public art and engagement during the pandemic;

• Advanced the experience of emerging local artists; and

• Established DDI as a leader in the Durham arts community.

Context

Durham, North Carolina is a quickly growing city known for its diversity, creative culture, restaurant scene, and growing research and tech industries. Over the last few decades, it has been recognized as a desirable place for investment as the population and local industries boom. However, as property values and rents soar, artists that contributed to the rich culture that attracted this influx are finding themselves at the risk of displacement.

These tensions, combined with the robust economic environment, led Downtown Durham Inc. (DDI), a key player in the revitalization of the downtown district, to shift their focus to maintaining the character of the city through inclusive cultural investments. Ultimately, DDI sought to encourage all people to spend time downtown, while feeling welcomed, represented, and safe.

To align their efforts with their vision, Stein developed DDI’s first Placemaking Strategy. As an extension of the values and priorities identified in the strategy, the Public Space Project became DDI’s first public art program and downtown Durham’s first creative placemaking grant program.

Process and Outcomes

The vision and goals of the organization, community, and Placemaking Strategy influenced each stage of the process. Local artists were consulted at every level, beginning with the concept and application considerations.

Stein actively managed the design and development of the Public Space Project from program conception to artwork execution. This included:

• Identifying the direction, objectives, and metrics of success;

• Writing the application, contracts, and marketing materials;

• Coaching applicants through their concept and budget;

• Establishing diverse selection committees and facilitating meetings;

• Advising artists on project execution and site logistics;

• Coordinating with businesses and city departments to secure permits and permissions;

• And incorporating feedback to continually improve the program and its processes.

With a goal of reaching local emerging and historically marginalized artists, the program does not require resumes or previous experience in public art. During the open call period, workshops are held to assist artists with their application and concept, and to offer practical budget guidance. Budget workshops ensure artists and their collaborators are being paid fairly.

The Public Space Project has successfully filled a gap within the local arts ecosystem, offering not only funding, but also functional coaching and experience. The program builds the capacity of local artists to compete on a larger scale for other projects and public commissions.

The 3rd season of the program was awarded with additional grant funds from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, as well as sponsorship from local businesses.

The Public Space Project has been recognized as a model of successful and equitable public arts programming by local media, the International Downtown Association, the Durham City Council, the Durham Cultural Advisory Board, and the Durham Public Art Committee.

Key Insights:

• Seek and implement feedback from the artists in the program, especially those who represent marginalized populations;

• If programming events, consider semi-permanent or longer term installation components to increase access and impact;

• Hold office hours at accessible times and locations to help applicants workshop their application, ideas, and budgets;

• Encourage phone calls and constructive dialogue prior to application submission;

• Create budget worksheets that include suggested rates for artists, permitting fees, and budgeting guidelines; and

• Create a map of suggested locations that are accessible, have electricity, and have supportive property owners.

Public Space Project Selections

Season 3

• Hayti Heritage Center, Walk this Way: Reconnecting Hayti and the Heart of Durham

• Ramya S. Kapadia and Sampada Agarwal, Durham Warli Mural

• Chris Vitiello, The Cabinet of Wishes

• Will Hackney and BJ Warshaw, Symphony for 100 Toy Keyboards

• Blackspace, Pan-African Beats

• Durham Independent Dance Artists, Dancing in the Street

• Jaguar Perry, Bull City Sound Garden

Season 2

• Candy Carver, Paint Durham

• Kristi Stout, Bethany Bash, and Nina Oteria, The Corcoran Poetry Wall

• Julia Gartrell, The Radical Repair Shop

• Michelle Gonzalez-Green, Call Your Ancestor

Season 1

• Wendy Spitzer (Felix Obelix) and Douglas Vuncannon, Portraits in Common

• Marcella Camara, Amethyst, Psalms & Florida Water

• Ashley Swindoll, The Instrumental Wax Project

• Kamara Thomas, Soapbox