Columbus Mayor Launches $250,000 Public Art Program

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman today announced the launch of a $250,000-a-year public art program. Coleman used his executive power to create the program,  calling public art an important part of any community's "cultural identity and vibrancy."  He says the quarter of a million dollar budget will hopefully help future designers to make it a priority. The city development department, which will administer the program, will identify art opportunities in consultation with the city service, public utilities, parks and finance offices and the Columbus Art Commission. The commission, which was formed in 2009, must produce an annual report on the program and help develop a citywide public art master plan to be initiated and funded in 2015. Qualifying public art may be a stand-alone installation or something incorporated into a building, park or infrastructure project.