Title
Discuss Public Art Opportunity for Silos and Grain Elevator
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
MEETING DATE: March 2, 2021
DEPARTMENT: MPAC / Main Street & Community Events
CONTACT: Amy Rosenthal, Director
McKinney Main Street and McKinney Performing Arts Center
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
• N/A Discussion Item
ITEM SUMMARY:
• City of McKinney has received an artist proposal for a public art project on city-owned concrete silos and grain elevator located at 406 E Virginia Street.
• Proposal includes community engagement activities and an over-sized mural by Australian artist, Guido van Helten. Van Helten works in a photorealism style and has an international reputation with artwork across the globe.
• This public art project will highlight McKinney’s cultural heritage and involve participation from historic and diverse communities.
• McKinney’s piece will contribute to van Helten’s ‘Monument’ series, connecting a trail of silo art across the United States and will attract cultural tourists. Other locations with van Helten’s work experience increased visibility and media exposure.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• In 2018, the Texas Commission on the Arts recognized the Historic Downtown McKinney Cultural District.
• Boundaries of the walkable district incorporate an area approximately from Mitchell Park to Old Settler’s Park.
• The concrete silos and grain elevator identified for the project are adjacent to The Mill in East McKinney. The silos were constructed in 1927 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• The public art proposal is $298,850 with some costs potentially covered through in-kind donations. There may be some additional expenses for site preparations.
• McKinney Downtown Business Redevelopment, Inc. (private 501(c)3 for McKinney Main Street is the managing entity for the Historic Downtown McKinney Cultural District.
• McKinney Downtown Business Redevelopment, Inc. will contract with artist and seek funding from Texas Commission on the Arts grants, foundations, private donors and other sources.