4.1. BPASR 04-15-2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12. List ways in which the community has demonstrated support for the public art project. Examples include financial contributions, volunteer time, donation of services/supplies/space, survey responses, etc. Consider providing more context regarding the history of public art to help strengthen community support. In this section, the narrative references a public art RFP but there is no discussion earlier in the narrative of what this process entailed. Consider providing the panelists with the criteria and process of that RFP process to help them better understand artist selection, etc. The Elk River community has a history of backing public art in many forms. The Elk River Economic Development Authority, which is comprised of seven loyal residents, has determined that supporting and maintaining public art be one of their annual objectives. They have ensured that funds be dedicated to public art initiatives and maintenance during their annual budgeting process. At their March meeting, they approved $10,000 to be contributed to Carey Dean’s “Where Energy Flows”. The Multipurpose Facility Commission, who oversees the operations of Furniture and Things Community Event Center, were approached in early 2024 regarding their site to serve as a preferred location for the upcoming public art RFP. They approved the pursuit of a public art installation within their facility, and their collaboration has continued as this process progresses. Moreover, in 2021 this commission completed an environmental and branding graphics guidelines document which emphasized the desire for unique and design elements throughout the event center. Local businesses and organizations have provided financial support for a plethora of city events and initiatives. Specifically, our latest public art project, Slipstream, received donations from: The Bank of Elk River, First Bank Elk River, Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Gleitz – State Farm Insurance, Forterra, and Granite Shores Luxury Apartments. The EDA is confident in determining passionate local sponsors for this proposed project. Most importantly, Elk River has a dedicated group of residents and business owners who have made the commitment to serve on the Beautification and Public Art Committee to further support keeping Elk River beautiful and filled with public art. Their desire for public art led to our public art RFP that received interest from six artists, and three submitted proposals. The submissions were scored on a 100-point rubric with the following criteria: Public Art Message: How the artist’s project fits within the theme of history, community, and/or natural resources in Elk River.