03-18-2024 Beautification and Public Art Committee Packet

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10. Describe the target audience for the proposal. Consider demographic factors such as ethnicity, socioeconomic status, age and gender. a. Presenters/creators (artists, actors, performers, etc.) b. Audience (patrons, students, etc.) - population/community that will live/work near and experience the art as well as any other groups that will be served by this public art project. “Where Energy Flows” is set to be permanently displayed at the highest visited municipal property in the Elk River. Furniture and Things Community Event Center is home to a wide array of community gathering events that brings in over 700,000 annual visits. There are two ice arenas that are used for open skating as well as hockey games and tournaments that can seat a combined 2,200 patrons. This facility is now home to the Minnesota Squatch, a hockey team in the United States Premier Hockey League. There is a large turf field house with a walking track doubles as an expo space that has hosted many events, such as makers markets, dog shows, and farmers markets, to name a few. The community event center also has the Senior Activity Center which has almost 500 active members. Additionally, there are multiple rentable rooms used for private events, and birthday parties. By having a plethora of usable spaces, Furniture and Things Community Event Center has something for everyone in the community regardless of age or interests. This is why Elk River is pleased to propose a public art project at this highly used facility where a great number of individuals, residents and visitors, have the ability to appreciate the piece. 11. What makes you believe the proposal will be welcomed or celebrated by the community? Provide examples such as surveys, community meetings, audience feedback, local and regional studies, etc. The Elk River community has a history of backing public art in many forms. The City’s Parks and Recreation Department facilitated a community survey in October of 2019 to assist completion of their Park Plan. One of items identified in the survey was that public art was a priority. Throughout the summer, Elk River hosts the Riverfront Concert Series featuring local and regional bands. These events pack Rivers Edge Commons on the banks of the Mississippi River with residents and visitors of all ages supporting this musical side of art. Additionally, past public art has been commissioned with community support and appreciation.