[Archived] Alexandria Commission for the Arts Seeking Volunteers to serve on the Public Art Committee

For Immediate Release: May 25, 2012

The Alexandria Commission for the Arts is seeking volunteers to serve on the Public Art Committee. 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 as members of the Public Art Committee.  All Committee meetings, held on a monthly basis, are open to the public.

There are two vacancies.  One vacancy is for an individual who is artist or arts professional and a resident who will represent the West End of Alexandria.  This candidate will serve a a partial term ending November 1, 2012.  The second vacancy is for an architect, and a resident who will represent Del Ray.  This candidate will serve a a partial term ending November 17, 2012.  Seccessful candidates may reapply for a three-year term after serving the partial terms listed.

Applications must be received no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, June 29, 2012.  The Commission will review the applications and appoint the new members at the July 17, 2012 Arts Commission meeting. 

As mandated in the City’s Policy on Acquired Art, the Public Art Committee must consist of one Commissioner from the Commission for the Arts with expertise in art, up to four persons with expertise in urban planning, landscape architecture or architecture, up to four persons with expertise in art as an artist or art professional, 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 of the Committee must be City of Alexandria residents.  The current Co-Chairs of the Public Art Committee are Pat Miller, Chair, Alexandria Commission for the Arts and Matthew Harwood, Torpedo Factory Art Center artist.

Committee members’ areas of work correspond to one of the three Planning Districts that make up the Alexandria Master Plan.  Specific duties will 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 Friday, June 29, 2012.

For more information, contact Pat Miller at 703.2584516 or e-mail at 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.

The City of Alexandria is committed to compliance with the City's Human Rights Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act. To request a reasonable accommodation or to request materials in an alternative format, call Cheryl Anne Colton, Cultural Arts Administrator, of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703.746.5565 (TTY 703.838.4902) or email cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov.