Hi all, in addition to the branch of my consulting business in which I manage public art projects, I write about art, mostly as it relates to the Kansas City area. I was recently assigned an article on a new non-profit that has the mission to "support African American and Black artists in the Kansas City region locally, regionally and nationally."
At a recent meeting of this organization, a regional municipality's One-Percent-for-Art program was one of the topics discussed. Specifically, attendees advocated for greater inclusion of African American artists in the public art program.
According to the municipality in question, "On all City projects above a certain dollar amount, the City Human Relations Department assigns goals for the participation of minority and women-owned businesses. City departments and contractors work together to meet these goals. The Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Directory lists certified companies whose participation counts toward City goals. To be certified, businesses must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by a minority or a woman."
One of the questions raised at the meeting was: Does this municipality's public art program follow the MWDBE guidelines that other City departments use when it selects and contracts artists?
I have emailed the municipality in question for feedback. In the meantime, are any of you aware of municipalities that utilize such MWDBE goals when procuring public art?
Many thanks,
James Martin
jaminkc@icloud.com