Public Art

Message on MS List Serv, 1/26/2021

Hello,

 I am wanting to know the various ways you have all funded the two following projects for your downtown:

  • Public Art sculptures

  • Directory Kiosks

I know I can use some HOT funding for the kiosks but I am wanting to explore other options as there has been a decline in this funding over the past year.

 Any guidance on this would be most helpful!

Thanks,

 Amy Tidwell

Main Street/Tourism Director

903-654-4851

atidwell@corsicanatx.gov

Responses below:

  • In Amarillo, we are in the process of a major wayfinding and signage project for our downtown. We applied for and received a $75,000 grant from the Texas Commission for the Arts through our designation as the Amarillo Cultural District. This was a matching grant. Our Center City TIRZ put up the match. The project will give us monument map signs throughout downtown for pedestrians and drivers. Another partner is the Convention & Visitor Bureau, which is helping us with a map and lots of staff time. We are using the "B" side of each sign for a photo and narrative of some of our most historic attractions. This has turned out to be a two-year project with an impact of much more than $75,000 to make downtown a destination. Thank God for the TIRZ, so I didn't have to raise the match! - Beth Duke, Amarillo

  • Elgin has a great public art guide: http://www.elgintx.com/DocumentCenter/View/4025/-Elgin-MS-Design-Public-Art-Plan- You will enjoy looking through the entire guide, but page 13 talks specifically about funding. - Cara Lowrimore, TMSP Staff

  • Denton had a Public Arts Committee that funded some projects a few years ago.  That committee has now moved under our Parks and Rec Department. Our directional kiosks on our square were originally built in 2004 and were funded by the 501c6 association with donations and a grant from a local non-profit. Since then the City has added more kiosks off the square and those were paid for by the City. The Denton Main Street Association formed a foundation a couple of years ago that is 501c3 and a goal of that fundraising is to continue the funding of the Arts Walk of Fame stone engraving for inductees and a long-term goal is to raise funds for more public art projects. - Christine Gossett, Denton

  • Our downtown is part of a TIRZ (Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone) district and they have provided funding for these projects here. - Anita Simpson, Waxahachie