Supporting a Thoughtful Approach to Public Art Stewardship

[Natasha Harper-Madison]

Good morning colleagues,
I appreciate the opportunity to support this important initiative and would like to formally request to sign on as a co-sponsor.

It's worth noting that the especially contentious mural art discussion at 12th & Chicon eight years ago could—and should—have sounded the alarm on gaps in our public policy protocols around the stewardship of public art. It should have also been the responsibility of the city of Austin to address. Instead, volunteer community members and small business owners were left to their own devices in navigating unmanaged terrain. I can personally attest to the brutality of the situation.
While the District 1 office has stood for public art in many ways since then, this effort feels different. It feels more like we're purring a perpetual plan in place—and that’s important. Thank you to the lead sponsor, Council member Qadri, co-sponsors, City staff, our committed volunteers, and all the community members whose contributions continue to shape this work.
As we move forward, I believe it is essential to engage those with direct experience in the removal, restoration, or relocation of public art—whether on public property or privately held but publicly significant spaces. Their perspectives will be invaluable in shaping a more thoughtful and informed approach.
To that end, I encourage the inclusion of the following language in the resolution:
"Be it further resolved, the City Manager is directed to engage stakeholders who have experienced the removal, defacement, or destruction of public art, and engage stakeholders whose pieces have been successfully moved, restored, or amicably retired—whether the property is public or privately held but publicly significant."
In peace,
NHM