Artists were challenged with creating a work of art that would “be functional, while also adding an artistic element to this every day piece of public infrastructure,” according to the art commission website.
Early estimates of the number of applicants were lower than expected, which left some East Lansing officials concerned as the deadline grew closer.
“I was a little worried because earlier in the week, before the deadline, we didn’t have as many,” East Lansing Mayor Pro Tem Diane Goddeeris said. “But they all came in. It is great news.”
The project will be funded, in part, by the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, or LEAP, Public Art for Communities Grant.
The grant was formed to create art in an area that is “highly visible or recognizable to a significant and regular flow of foot and car traffic ... (to) greatly enhance the image of the specific, strategic place within the community, making it more likely to retain and attract business and talent to that area,” according to the project’s application form.
LEAP President Bob Trezise said in a statement the initiative is part of a larger, regional shift.
“Public art and a strong arts and culture presence ... will be a vital issue into the future as local companies attempt to keep and attract global talent and their families to our region and state,” President of LEAP, Bob Trezise, said.
When the applications are collected, they will now have to go through an extensive selection process before the installation can begin.
“We are in the process of scheduling meetings for the art selection panel to review the proposals,” East Lansing Communications Coordinator Ami Van Antwerp said.
The art selection panel consists of artists with experience in public installations from around the city. Each panelist is selected by the city council to assess the value and longevity of art submissions.
“You have to have that background ... that when you put an art piece in the community it will be sustainable,” Goddeeris said.
The panel will make a recommendation to the art commission, which will discuss the panel’s findings.
The process is then repeated, with the commission recommending a plan to the city council, who has final approval.
“We are trying to get the submissions reviewed as quick as possible because we are on a timeline,” Goddeeris said. “It’s one of those things that will be on the fast-track.”
