University develops new advisory committee on public art

With the goal of transforming the public environment of its Ann Arbor campus and integrating the visual arts more fully with its educational and research mission, the University has, for the first time, established a President's Advisory Committee on Public Art.

The Deep Waters fountain is one of many works of art that will fall under the purview of the recently formed President's Advisory Committee on Public Art. Offering a calm respite to students, faculty and staff, it is situated on Ingalls Mall between the Michigan League and Burton Tower. (File Photo/Paul Jaronski, U-M Photo Services)

The standing committee, appointed by President Mary Sue Coleman, is composed of faculty, administrators and staff across campus with a wide range of expertise and perspectives. Initially consisting of 12 members and led by U-M Museum of Art Director James Steward, the committee is charged with advising the president on matters concerning public art and facilitating the development of a richer and more diverse collection of public art for the University.

"As an institution committed to learning, inquiry and creativity, U-M seeks to provide an engaging and rewarding campus environment for everyone," Coleman says. "With this new committee, we have a great opportunity to profoundly enrich the visual environment of our campus, and to make art a more important presence in our everyday lives."

The committee is responsible for guiding the University's decisions and planning for public art. Activities will include identifying priorities regarding the choice of sites and artists; reviewing long-term funding models for maintenance and acquisitions; strategically reviewing proposed installations and gifts; identifying and cultivating multiple sources of funding for public art; acting as the University's advocates for public art; and coordinating the efforts of appropriate University units, offices and committees in relation to public art.

"The cultivation of a major public art program is essential for a campus of this stature and historical significance," says Steward. "Public art can inform our daily experience in both powerful and subtle ways, offering visual pleasure and stimulation, and, like all the arts, promoting thoughtful citizenship. I'm honored to lead this important charge for the University."

For the purposes of the committee's work, public art has been defined as installations of art—permanent or temporary—in public spaces of the University, including the exteriors of buildings, outdoor public areas or interior public lobbies.

In addition to Steward, members of the committee are: Brad Canale, executive director of college relations, College of Engineering; Larry Cressman, professor, Residential College and School of Art and Design (SOAD); Sue Gott, university planner; Chacona Johnson, associate vice president for development; Doug Kelbaugh, dean, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning; Robert Kelch, executive vice president for medical affairs; Jim Kosteva, director of community relations; Gary Krenz, special counsel to the president; Lester Monts, senior counselor to the president for arts, diversity and undergraduate affairs and senior vice provost for academic affairs; Patricia Olynyk, associate professor, SOAD; and Alex Potts, chair, History of Art.

The President's Advisory Committee on Public Art will replace the Public Art Review Group and, like the latter, will complement the work of the External Elements Design Review Committee, while adopting a more strategic, proactive and long-term approach to public art on campus. The new advisory committee will be reviewed before the end of three years of operation.