City of Coeur d'Alene - Arts Commission

The Coeur d'Alene Arts Commission has been charged by the Coeur d'Alene City Council to "stimulate and encourage, throughout the city and surrounding area, the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and public interest and participation."

History

The Arts Commission was formally established with Ordinance No. 1709, signed by Mayor James Fromm in 1982, laying the foundation for a vibrant arts community in Coeur d’Alene. However, it wasn’t until 1997 that the city’s leadership, in partnership with local artists and community members, fully recognized the transformative impact of public art. At that time, Coeur d’Alene’s business landscape was somewhat sluggish, and the city council saw an opportunity for art to not only beautify public spaces but also to stimulate economic growth and community engagement.

Inspired by the Local Economic Development Act, passed by the state legislature in 1988, the Coeur d’Alene City Council formed an urban renewal agency in 1997 to jump-start the economy. Originally known as the Coeur d’Alene Urban Renewal Agency, the agency decided to assign a DBA, Lake City Development Corporation (LCDC) in 2001. The DBA name was changed to ignite cda in 2015 to better reflect the agency’s mission. The partnership between ignite cda and the City of Coeur d’Alene Arts Commission began shortly after the agency's formation in 1997, with ignite cda supporting public art initiatives.

Coeur d’Alene was the first city in Idaho to provide for a funding mechanism through a “percent-in-art" city ordinance which provided a steady stream of funding for creative works that enrich public spaces. Today, numerous art installations can be found throughout the city, decorating downtown streets, parks, and the Centennial Trail. These artworks often reflect the area's history, natural beauty, and diverse community.

The Art Commission’s notable projects include the Public Art Beautification of Utility Boxes, ArtCurrents, Otocast Audio Public Art Tour App, youth art workshops and classes, Coeur d’Alene Poet Laureate, and Mayor’s Awards in the Arts which was renamed as Coeur d’Alene Arts Awards.

Currently, the commission consists of 13 volunteers appointed by the Mayor and City Council to serve three-year terms, providing advice on arts-related matters in the city.

Vision

The citizens of Coeur d'Alene are committed to build an exceptional collection of public art - art that defines the community and distinguishes it from others, complementing Coeur d'Alene's many attributes, and serving for posterity.

Purposes

Improve the Cultural Environment of the City of Coeur d'Alene
Enhance the Growth of Industry and Commerce
Partner with Various Artistic Organizations to Ensure the Role of Arts in the Community

Areas of Responsibility

Oversees Public Arts Program
Develops Policies and Goals for Selection, Placement and Maintenance of Works of Art
Integration of Wide Range of Public Art into the Community to Reflect Diversity of Communities, Artistic Disciplines, and Points of View
Oversees Memorials for Public Parks and Donations of Artwork to the Public Collection

Guiding Principles

Community Design- Integrate public art into the design of buildings, parks, streetscape and public spaces - making art a natural, normal enhancement of community design.
Prominent Scale- Select artworks of sufficient scale to capture public attention. Make an impression.
Diverse and Durable- Build a diverse public art collection that incorporates various art media styles and themes; including permanent works and temporary exhibitions; and ensure that the collection is well made to withstand climate extremes.
Accessible- Place public art out in the open, in accessible locations where people can see it and interact.
City-wide- Over the years, gradually extend public art from the downtown core into all corners of the City.
Open Public Process- Select art through a juried process that invites citizens to play a role. Extend the selection process to include artists from outside the area to diversify the collection.
Adequate Support- Ensure that Coeur d'Alene's growing public art program is supported by adequate funding, professional staff, and proper maintenance of the collection by qualified individuals.
Artistic Excellence- Strive to acquire truly exceptional art - of the highest quality, representing in Coeur d'Alene's collection the finest artists of the region and the world.
Model - Serve as a model and inspiration for other communities interested in introducing their own public art programs.

Priorities

Starting Point- Install the first new artworks at the locations most visible and accessible to citizens and visitors alike - in the downtown, and at city gateways.
Signature Projects- Seek opportunities for major art commissions in conjunction with upcoming projects.
Art/Design Community- Engage local artists, architects, and other design professionals and enlist their participation and "ownership" for Coeur d'Alene's public art program.
Events- Link public art to Coeur d'Alene's most important community events. Schedule temporary exhibitions, announce art selections and unveil new commissions to coincide with Art on the Green and other major events.
Community Education- Capitalize on public art to provide education opportunities for children, youth, adults, and visitors through interpretive signage, art map, walking tour brochures, media coverage, etc.
Staffing- Provide professional staff support at an appropriate level to curate and maintain the public art collection.
Accountability - Publish an annual report to document Coeur d'Alene's public art achievements, including a catalog of the art works newly acquired each year, other public art program achievements, funds expended, and account balances retained.