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HomeMy WebLinkAbout228-24 RESOLUTION Page 1 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 Resolution: 228-24 File Number: 2024-433 COMMUNITY ART WALL (RESOLUTION): A RESOLUTION TO THANK THE FAYETTEVILLE ARTS COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY GRAFFITI ARTISTS FOR THE GREAT SUCCESS OF THE COMMUNITY ART WALL PROJECT LOCATED ON THE DECOMMISSIONED PUMP HOUSE AT POPLAR STREET AND THE RAZORBACK GREENWAY AND TO ADOPT CERTAIN RULES WHEREAS, the Community Art Wall Pilot Project was created as a response to the Fayetteville Arts Council discussions around graffiti abatement in the city to give graffiti artists a legal place to practice and temporarily exhibit their artistic expressions; and WHEREAS, since November 2023, the pilot project at the decommissioned water department pump house facing the Razorback Greenway has been shared by many local graffiti artists to practice their art and install temporary graffiti art which has successfully transformed that space into a dynamic always changing public canvas for local artists; and WHEREAS, over the past year, at least 17 full wall graffiti art pieces have been installed, plus countless smaller works that have included a wide range of artistic expressions from graffiti and 3D art to whimsical and heartfelt creations; and WHEREAS, the Fayetteville Arts Council and the local graffiti artists are to be commended for their voluntary operation of the Community Art Wall as an important place to practice their graffiti skills and a proper place for temporarily displaying their artistic expressions; and WHEREAS, rules to ensure safety and cleanliness of the Art Wall area and to ensure the temporary status of all artwork should be adopted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby adopts the following rules for the Community Art Wall project which should be conspicuously displayed near the Wall and can be enforced by the City. “Rules 1. Keep it Clean: Dispose of waste properly and use safety gear and non-toxic materials. 2. Keep it Here: Respect the neighborhood and all of Fayetteville – only place graffiti on the Art Wall. 3. Know it is Temporary: All artistic expression placed upon the Community Art Wall is temporary and will always be painted over by other graffiti artists. Older artwork may be painted over before newer artwork, but no artist has any right to have their artwork remain on the Community Art Wall for any period of time. Resolution: 228-24 File Number: 2024-433 4. Waiver of Any Artist 's Right s: Any artist who pl aces artwork on the Community Art Wa ll thereby waives any right or expectation of property interests, lon g-term display , or any right under the Visual Artists Rights Act." Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby recommends to tho se graffiti artists desiring to use the Community Art Wall the following Recommendations and Hopes which should be displ ayed near the Community Art Wall. "Recommendations and Hopes I . Keep it Kind: Please refrain from hurtful or hate speech . Please avoid sexually explicit art and partisan political messages. 2. Keep it Welcoming: Please focus on artistic/artful expression that maintains a welcoming s pace for everyone. Please avoid any gang-related markings." Section 3: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby expresses their thanks to the Fayetteville Arts Council and our local graffiti artists for makin g the Community Art Wall Project a s ucces sfu l enhancement to the Razorback Greenway and Fayetteville. PASSED and APPROVED on September 3 , 2024 Attest: Page2 Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 www.fayetteville-ar.gov CITY COUNCIL MEMO 2024-433 MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 3, 2024 TO: Mayor Jordan and City Council THRU: Susan Norton, Chief of Staff Alison Jumper, Director of Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs FROM: Joanna Bell, Arts and Culture Director—Parks, Natural Resources and Cultural Affairs SUBJECT: Recommendation to formally establish the community art wall project as a program of the city. RECOMMENDATION: The Fayetteville Arts Council (FAC) and Staff recommend approval of a resolution to formally establish the community art wall project (currently located at the decommissioned pump house at Poplar Street and the Razorback Greenway) as a program of the city. BACKGROUND: The Community Art Wall Pilot Project was created as a response to FAC discussions around graffiti abatement in the city. Since November of last year, the pilot project has been active at the decommissioned water department pump house. This initiative has successfully transformed that space into a dynamic public canvas for local artists. Over the past year, at least 17 full wall art pieces have been installed, plus countless smaller works. These pieces have included a wide range of artistic expressions, from graffiti and 3D art to whimsical and heartfelt creations. The installations have demonstrated the community's enthusiastic embrace of the project, making it a vibrant part of the city's cultural landscape. DISCUSSION: The Community Art Wall has received mostly positive feedback from the community, though there have been some concerns regarding the use of the wall for direct messaging. In response to this and with the one-year pilot period nearing its end, the FAC reviewed and proposed amendments to the rules governing the wall to ensure it remains a welcoming and positive space for all. The complete rules are attached, with changes from the pilot program rules highlighted. The FAC voted unanimously at the July 17, 2024 meeting to recommend the continuation of the Community Art Wall as a permanent city program, recognizing its value as a platform for community engagement and artistic expression. As is best practice in programs of this kind, responsibility for the community adhering to the rules is placed directly in the hands of the community. Given the nature of a free expression wall and the potential challenges around free speech, the FAC recommends City Council support this program through a formal resolution. This will not only legitimize the program but also provide a clear stance from the city on managing free expression in a public space. BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT: Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 www.fayetteville-ar.gov There is no immediate budget impact from making the Community Art Wall a permanent program. However, formalizing the program will enable more robust year-round programming, potentially attracting more community participation and possibly future funding opportunities. ATTACHMENTS: SRF (#3), Community Art Wall Program - Background Brief (#4) Page 1 City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Legislation Text 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 (479) 575-8323 File #: 2024-433 Recommendation to formally establish the community art wall project as a program of the city. A RESOLUTION TO THANK THE FAYETTEVILLE ARTS COUNCIL AND COMMUNITY GRAFFITI ARTISTS FOR THE GREAT SUCCESS OF THE COMMUNITY ART WALL PROJECT LOCATED ON THE DECOMMISSIONED PUMP HOUSE AT POPLAR STREET AND THE RAZORBACK GREENWAY AND TO ADOPT CERTAIN RULES WHEREAS, the Community Art Wall Pilot Project was created as a response to the Fayetteville Arts Council discussions around graffiti abatement in the city to give graffiti artists a legal place to practice and temporarily exhibit their artistic expressions; and WHEREAS, since November 2023, the pilot project at the decommissioned water department pump house facing the Razorback Greenway has been shared by many local graffiti artists to practice their art and install temporary graffiti art which has successfully transformed that space into a dynamic always changing public canvas for local artists; and WHEREAS, over the past year, at least 17 full wall graffiti art pieces have been installed, plus countless smaller works that have included a wide range of artistic expressions from graffiti and 3D art to whimsical and heartfelt creations; and WHEREAS, the Fayetteville Arts Council and the local graffiti artists are to be commended for their voluntary operation of the Community Art Wall as an important place to practice their graffiti skills and a proper place for temporarily displaying their artistic expressions; and WHEREAS, rules to ensure safety and cleanliness of the Art Wall area and to ensure the temporary status of all artwork should be adopted. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby adopts the following rules for the Community Art Wall project which should be conspicuously displayed near the Wall and can be enforced by the City. “Rules 1. Keep it Clean: Dispose of waste properly and use safety gear and non-toxic materials. 2. Keep it Here: Respect the neighborhood and all of Fayetteville – only place graffiti on the Art Wall. Resolution: 228-24 File Number: 2024-433 Page 2 3. Know it is Temporary: All artistic expression placed upon the Community Art Wall is temporary and will always be painted over by other graffiti artists. Older artwork may be painted over before newer artwork, but no artist has any right to have their artwork remain on the Community Art Wall for any period of time. 4. Waiver of Any Artist’s Rights: Any artist who places artwork on the Community Art Wall thereby waives any right or expectation of property interests, long-term display, or any right under the Visual Artists Rights Act.” Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby recommends to those graffiti artists desiring to use the Community Art Wall the following Recommendations and Hopes which should be displayed near the Community Art Wall. “Recommendations and Hopes 1. Keep it Kind: Please refrain from hurtful or hate speech. Please avoid sexually explicit art and partisan political messages. 2. Keep it Welcoming: Please focus on artistic/artful expression that maintains a welcoming space for everyone. Please avoid any gang-related markings.” Section 3: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby expresses their thanks to the Fayetteville Arts Council and our local graffiti artists for making the Community Art Wall Project a successful enhancement to the Razorback Greenway and Fayetteville. City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form 2024-433 Item ID 8/27/2024 City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only N/A for Non-Agenda Item Joanna Bell 8/14/2024 PARKS & RECREATION (520) Submitted By Submitted Date Division / Department Action Recommendation: The Fayetteville Arts Council (FAC) and Staff recommend approval of a resolution establishing the Community Art Wall located a (currently located at the decommissioned pump house at Poplar Street and the Razorback Greenway) as a permanent program of the city. Budget Impact: n/a n/a Account Number Fund n/a n/a Project Number Project Title Budgeted Item?No Total Amended Budget $- Expenses (Actual+Encum)$- Available Budget $- Does item have a direct cost?No Item Cost $- Is a Budget Adjustment attached?No Budget Adjustment $- Remaining Budget $- V20221130 Purchase Order Number:Previous Ordinance or Resolution # Change Order Number:Approval Date: Original Contract Number: Comments: Community Art Wall Pilot Program Report Since November of last year, the City of Fayetteville has been engaged in the Community Art Wall pilot project. This initiative, which came out of Fayetteville Arts Council (FAC) discussions around graffiti has transformed the site into a vibrant and interactive canvas for local artists. The wall has become a dynamic public space, featuring at least 17 distinct large format works that showcased a wide array of artistic styles and expressions. The artwork displayed over the past year has ranged from stunning street art and pop culture tributes, such as “El Barto” and a 3D Mario World, to more whimsical creations like alligators cruising in cars. The wall has also hosted deeply personal and community-oriented expressions, including a heartfelt marriage proposal and the collaborative "Draw Your Own Cat Wall." Community Response The Community Art Wall has been met with enthusiastic participation from local artists and largely positive feedback from the broader community. The creative use of the wall has underscored its value as an engaging public space that fosters artistic expression. However, the project has not been without its challenges. A few citizens have raised concerns about the use of the wall for direct messaging, particularly when it comes to sensitive content. Considerations and Recommendations for the Future In response to both the successes and the challenges of the pilot project, the FAC reviewed the project to make recommendations regarding its future. This included considering whether the project should continue beyond the pilot phase, what changes to the rules might be necessary, and how those rules should be enforced. After thorough deliberation, the FAC unanimously recommended that the Community Art Wall be transitioned into a permanent city program. To ensure the program works as intended, the FAC has proposed several key updates to the rules. They suggest changing “Keep it Positive” to “Keep it Kind”: This revision emphasizes the importance of fostering a respectful environment. They also recommend adding “Keep it Creative”. This new rule focuses on encouraging artistic expression that enhances community pride and maintains an inclusive atmosphere. Additionally, per city attorney’s recommendation, the rules will include a “Terms of Use” clause, clarifying that the walls are public property of the City of Fayetteville. The city reserves the right to paint over artwork, restrict or prevent painting, or remove the walls at any time for any reason. Artists who choose to paint on this wall waive any rights or expectations under the Visual Artists Rights Act. Community Enforcement: The FAC also recommends that adherence to these rules be placed in the hands of the community, and that the city refrain from intervening with or altering the artwork on the walls. The expectation is that while the city maintains the right to remove the walls or stop the project, the city does not take on the judgement of what does or does not meet the spirit of the rules. This is the practice of all the public art walls that staff researched as FAC considered making the program permanent. THE RULES The rules for the art wall are framed as “Keep It” rules. This emphasizes that the community is responsible for maintaining the space to be able to keep the Community Art Wall Program. The pilot program rules were: • Keep it positive: No hate speech, explicit, political, or gang-related content. • Keep it here: Respect the neighborhood—only mark on the pumphouse walls. • Keep it respectful: Expect artwork turnover. Date your work and paint over older work first. • Keep it clean: Dispose of waste properly. Use safety gear and nontoxic materials. The revised rules will be: • Keep it Kind: Don’t be hurtful. No hate speech, explicit content, political messages, or gang-related content. • Keep it Here: Respect the neighborhood—only mark on the pumphouse walls. • Keep it Respectful: Expect artwork turnover. Document and date your work and paint over older work first when possible. • Keep it Clean: Dispose of waste properly. Use safety gear and non-toxic materials. • Keep it Creative: Focus on artistic/artful expression that maintains a welcoming space for everyone. • Terms of Use: These walls are public property of the City of Fayetteville. The City maintains the right to paint over artwork, restrict or prevent painting, or remove the walls at any time for any reason. By choosing to paint on this wall, you are hereby waiving any right or expectation under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA).