Title
Presentation on Public Art Master Plan and Cultural District Designation
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5A: Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the city)
(5C: Continue to market and highlight McKinney as a unique destination for residents and visitors alike)
MEETING DATE: November 8, 2018
DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
CONTACT: Michael Kowski, Director of Parks & Recreation
Amy Rosenthal, Main Street/MPAC Director
Janay Tieken, Housing and Community Development Manager
ITEM SUMMARY:
• This presentation will provide an update on the implementation of the city-wide Public Art Master Plan and discuss the new Cultural District Designation that encompasses a variety of park assets around Historic Downtown McKinney.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• In 2013, the City adopted the Public Art Master Plan. The Plan’s vision is to create innovative artistic experiences that strengthen gathering places for McKinney residents, reinforce the high quality and uniqueness of the City’s built and natural environment, and set McKinney apart as a place to visit, live and do business.
• The Plan identifies numerous parks and facilities as potential public art installation sites.
• Currently, the McKinney Arts Commission is working toward adding a new public art project within Mitchell Park, located in Historic Downtown McKinney at the intersection of Virginia Street and Church Street. The call for submissions is complete, and the Artist Selection Subcommittee has shortlisted three (3) proposals. The public feedback process is about to commence.
• In September of 2018, the City of McKinney’s historic downtown earned the prestigious Cultural District Designation from the Texas Commission on the Arts for demonstrating the area’s art, events, activities and amenities that play a pivotal role in setting the downtown apart as a gathering place for commerce, companionship and culture.
• While the Designation area primarily covers Historic Downtown McKinney, it also extends to include Mitchell Park, Central Park, Finch Park and Old Settler’s Park and Recreation Center. This will open up new grant opportunities to enhance these sites, as well as provide more tools and resources to further develop synergies between our historical, cultural and recreational assets.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• N/A