[Archived] City of Alexandria Commission for the Arts Seeks Volunteer to Serve on Public Art Committee

For Immediate Release: June 2, 2011

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Public Art Committee who will represent the West End of Alexandria.  The Committee member appointed will serve an unexpired term through October 2011, at which time the member may reapply for a three-year term.

The deadline to submit an application is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 17.  The Commission will review the applications and select the new member at the June 21 Commission for the Arts meeting.  Applicants should have an interest in art and reside or work within the City of Alexandria. 

The Public Art Committee provides advice to the Arts Commission and staff on the acquisition and funding of public art in the City.  Volunteers should plan to devote 12 – 16 hours per month, and Committee meetings, held on a monthly basis, are open to the public.

As mandated in the City’s Policy on Acquired Art, the Public Art Committee consists of one Commissioner from the Commission for the Arts with expertise in art; up to four persons with expertise in urban planning, landscape architecture and/or architecture; up to four persons with expertise in art as an artist or art professional; and up to four persons with an interest in art.  Members may live or work in the City, though a minimum of 75% of the members must be City of Alexandria residents. 

Committee members’ areas of work correspond to one of the three Planning Districts that make up the Alexandria Master Plan.  Specific duties include:

• Serve as the public representatives for public art projects, issues and policies
• Review established planning guidelines, such as master plans and small-area plans
• Participate in or serve on subcommittees of the Public Art Committee and advisory committees of the Planning & Zoning Department
• Seek opportunities for public art in assigned areas
• Educate the community about the potential for and benefits of public art
• Investigate the potential for public art at new buildings and developments
• Attend, participate in and advocate for public art at civic association meeting, community meetings, and community planning workshops

The Public Art Committee works directly with City staff on public art opportunities throughout the City and serves in an advisory role for staff and the Arts Commission.  Committee volunteers serve an important role assisting the Alexandria Commission for the Arts in advancing the organization’s goals, objectives and strategies. 

Individuals who are interested in serving should send a letter of interest and resume or curriculum vitae to aca@alexandriava.gov or via postal mail to Alexandria Commission for the Arts, 1605 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 by 5 p.m. June 17.  For more information, contact Pat Miller at 703.258.4516 or e-mail pmiller1806@comcast.net. 

For more information on other Arts Commission programs or services, visit alexandriava.gov/arts, or call the Office of the Arts at 703.746.5588.