FACE Public Art Plan
Benefits of Art & Culture:
“This report reinforces why many cities and towns across the nation are stepping up to support the continued growth of arts and culture. Not only do the arts provide a much needed social escape for many in our communities—they also help drive local economies. Having an abundance of unique arts and events means more revenue for local businesses and makes our communities more attractive to young, talented professionals–whose decisions on where to start a career or business are increasingly driven
by quality of life and the availability of cultural amenities.”
Bart Peterson
Mayor of Indianapolis, IN
President, National League of Cities
“As Chairman of the Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce, I visited almost every city and town in the state. There is a visible difference in places with an active cultural community. I see people looking for places to park, stores staying open late, and restaurants packed with customers. The business day is extended and the cash registers are ringing.”
Ken Fergeson
Chairman and CEO, NBC
​Past President, American Bankers Association
PHASE 1: The Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour
The Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour is a rotating public art program of outdoor sculpture displayed in and around Oskaloosa. Through the Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour residents and visitors will be drawn to locations, which are of interest both aesthetically and commercially. Sculptures will be available for purchase with the hope that Oskaloosa develops a collection of permanent sculptures over time. The Sculpture Tour is adding artistic pizzazz to historic Oskaloosa and will help grow the economy by helping make Oskaloosa a more attractive tourist destination point, and a better place to live, work and play.
This year twelve pieces were chosen by a jury of experts from a highly competitive field of local and national artists to be displayed for a year. Selected artists receive a $1,200 stipend for displaying their artwork for this year.
During the course of the year, special events will be held to promote the enjoyment and understanding of public art. Each piece is for sale but must remain part of the Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour display for the entire year. The City will function as a gallery and a commission on each sale will go toward funding future exhibitions. The Sculpture Tour is a program that will set Oskaloosa apart in the region as a cultural and retail destination, while increasing local pride in our City.
Through partnerships with artists and local businesses, this program will foster an all-inclusive art community, promoting both local artists and enriching the lives of every citizen in the Oskaloosa community.
Business sponsors will have an opportunity to enhance their commercial draw and visibility through the sponsorship of a sculpture at their location, which will place them on the Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour. Additionally locations of particular interest and pride to Oskaloosa have been selected to host sculptures this year. According to a report by Americans for the Arts, arts patrons spend more money than non-arts visitors. This money is spent beyond the art in restaurants, retail establishments, and other existing establishments.
Estimated 2019 Timeline:
Present - Jan 2019 - secure locations and business sponsorships
January: Call for artists
March: Applications due
May: Removal of current sculpture selections
late May - early June: Artwork due for installation before Skunk River Arts Festival
June: Skunk River Arts Festival and Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour Opening
Possible locations include public approved sites that have a sponsorship as well as any business or residence that wants to participate and agrees to the terms of the program.
PHASE 2: Coming Soon!
The Oskaloosa Sculpture Tour is a part of a larger vision to enhance the cityscape experience for residents and visitors to Oskaloosa. F.A.C.E. is currently working on a comprehensive public art plan for the City of Oskaloosa which may include murals, banners, artistic benches, artistic planters, artistic bike racks, artistic wayfinding elements, light pole sculptures, painted intersections, and artistic manhole covers. It is our hope to have many artistic elements in plain view and easily accessible to all residents and visitors, thus increasing the cultural literacy, and appreciation of the arts as a pathway for expression and affirmation, while attracting highly skilled and educated people to Oskaloosa, and stimulating the City’s economy.