Oct-Nov 2003

One way a city distinguishes itself is through its public art. Public art has the ability not only to enhance the beauty in a community, but also to provide a city with its own “signature” that becomes recognizable to everyone. Think of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the St. Louis Arch, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, and countless other places with specific creations, both decorative and functional. 
Chattanooga already possesses some beautiful and intriguing examples of public art-from the brick sculptures set into the sidewalks along Frazier Avenue and Market and Broad Streets, to the interactive musical sculpture in Coolidge Park titled, “Heavy Metal,” to the murals installed in local recreation centers created with help from area youth. However, a city needs a well-defined public art plan if it is to strategically address the issues of quality, diversity, collaboration, and accessibility, with an eye toward enhancing the existing beauty and revitalizing key areas within the community.

In October 2002, the City of Chattanooga and Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga began a partnership to develop a unified public art plan for the city. For assistance, they contracted a highly respected consulting firm, Barney & Worth, Inc. of Portland, Oregon, to facilitate the process.

Through public forums, focus groups, and the efforts of many dedicated organizations and individuals, the public art plan has now been drafted and approved by the City Council.

The plan’s stated purpose is to introduce a wide range of high-quality public art into the community, enhancing the civic environment and enriching the lives of residents and visitors.

It will be administered through a strategic partnership between the City of Chattanooga, Allied Arts, the Hunter Museum, and the RiverCity Company.

The plan will unfold in three phases and, while focusing first on the revitalization efforts of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan, will ultimately address such issues as extending public art beyond the waterfront and downtown and introducing public art at community gateways, in neighborhoods, and in public schools.

Chattanooga has been blessed with an ideal landscape, citizens who practice responsible stewardship of its resources, and leaders with a clear vision for future growth and prosperity. The Public Art Plan creatively serves this community by enhancing the landscape, celebrating its citizens, and ensuring Chattanooga’s deserved place as one of the most livable cities in the nation.

Michael Kull is campaign director for Allied Arts of Chattanooga. Information used in this article can be found in the report, “Chattanooga Public Art Plan” by Barney & Worth, Inc. Copies of this report are available by calling Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga, (423) 756-2787.  

PUBLIC ART PARTNERS 

The City of Chattanooga

The success of a public art plan
is directly tied to support from
local government. The city is
committed to providing both
strategic support and vital
resources as part of developing
public/private partnerships.

Allied Arts of  Greater
Chattanooga

With a long history of advocacy
for the arts and culture in
Chattanooga, Allied Arts serves
as an informed “voice” for the
community. Allied Arts will also
provide workspace and
administrative support for the
public art director. The Hunter
Museum Public art must be
knowledgeably acquired  and
specially cared for.  

The Hunter Museum

has the expertise to ensure this
collection’s needs are met. Plus,
the museum’s high profile in the
city’s new 21st Century
Waterfront Plan will include the
expansion of its own outdoor
permanent collection.

The RiverCity Company

Long a partner in collaborative
relationships between the private
sector and local government, the
RiverCity Company is already
working closely in the
development of the 21st Century Waterfront Plan and will ensure
that public art is a key component in the plan.