Mayor hopes to make public art program more visible in community

Cedar Park is counting on a new 10-year master plan to help kick-start the city's public arts program.

On Oct. 18, City Council approved the guiding document, which was created by the Cedar Park Arts Advisory Board during a six-month period and includes blueprints for establishing the city's public art collection.

Sheela Goodrich has served as the Arts Advisory Board chairwoman since the board's formation in 2009. As a local artist and enthusiast, Goodrich said she was happy to examine other cities' public art plans to help create an approach exclusive to Cedar Park.

"I think art really helps create an identity for each city," Goodrich said. "We can make Cedar Park a destination for art and also get recognition for the artists."

At least 1 percent of the city's annual capital improvement project budget must be dedicated to the public arts program, according to a rule created by council, and is otherwise supported through hotel occupancy tax money and donations from Cedar Park residents' water bills. The program has received 182 donations totaling $242.10 since 2009, a city spokeswoman said.

Aside from establishing a framework for implementation, the Arts Advisory Board and city staff count on the master plan to help the city's public arts program gain momentum among community residents to build potential projects such as a proposed sculpture garden or public art gallery.

"The plan itself is a very valuable tool that will kick-start some of this activity, and it will serve as an excellent community outreach tool," said Mark Lewis, Cedar Park utilities director and Arts Advisory Board staff liaison.

Cedar Park Mayor Matt Powell also expressed support for the new plan, even suggesting the group be more visible publicly.

"I would suggest doing something to kind of let people know you exist," Powell said during the Sept. 27 City Council meeting. "We certainly know you exist, and this is a great draft plan, but it's probably time to announce yourself to the community. And, if funding is a question, come talk to us. We have a way of figuring these things out."

The arts board will next concentrate on implementing proposals within the plan, Goodrich said, particularly the proposed sculpture garden concept.

"For financial reasons, we have to start small and build a collection for the city," she said. "So, it'll be moderately small with potential for growth."

Art projects for consideration

• Develop a water art piece in the skate park
• Develop an annual award for outstanding design within city limits
• Repurpose police department fountain
• Develop multiuse facility to serve as art center
• Establish residents' public art gallery
• Establish Cedar Park brand with possible star motif added to city logo
• Design decorative streetlight banners for main streets
• Host international artwork, become an art destination spot
• Create public art catalog
• Develop map/guide to Cedar Park public art
• Create directory of local artists
• Develop green, sustainable and/or interactive art projects