HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated December 10, 2024ITEM #:19
DATE:12-10-24
DEPT:ADMIN
SUBJECT:2025/26 AMES ANNUAL OUTDOOR SCULPTURE EXHIBITION
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
BACKGROUND:
The Ames Annual Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition (AAOSE), the longest running program for the Public
Arts Commission (PAC), will celebrate its 29th annual downtown exhibition in 2025. Through this
program, artists submit sculptural entries to be displayed in Downtown Ames from May 2025 through
April 2026. At the conclusion of the display, sculptures are available for purchase by private individuals
or by PAC through the Neighborhood Sculpture Program. This year, 47 AAOSE entries were received
from 18 artists.
The entries were evaluated by a jury who then made their recommendations to PAC. The jurors selected
ten sculptures to be displayed. They also identified two alternates in case selected sculpture(s) would
become unavailable. PAC approved the recommendations and alternates at the regular meeting on
December 3, 2024.
Attached are photographs of the sculptures recommended for the 2025/26 AAOSE. Installation of the
exhibit will take place in April after further risk analysis by City staff.
Artists will be paid a $2,000 honorarium for each selected sculpture, and a Best-in-Show award of
$1,000 will be made to a winner determined by the public, for a total expenditure of $21,000. All
expenses will be paid for through the PAC budget. Funding for the AAOSE exhibition was included in
the 2024/25 City Budget for the Public Art Commission.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Authorize PAC to enter into agreements with artists for the exhibition of sculptures and make
honorarium payments.
2. Do not approve the agreements.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
This annual program allows for works of art to be displayed throughout the City. This program aligns
with the City Council’s value of a fun, vibrant community that attracts and retains people. Therefore, it
is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt Alternative No. 1 as described
above.
ATTACHMENT(S):
2025-2026 Proposed AAOSE Selections.pdf
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