Title
Artist Design Contract for North 32nd Street Improvements Public Art Project (Ordinance S-48596)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into a contract with Arizona artist Bobby Zokaites for an amount not to exceed $50,000 to design public art streetscape enhancements for the North 32nd Street Improvements Project along the North 32nd Street Pedestrian Corridor from Cheryl Drive to Cholla Street in North Phoenix. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Fiscal Year 2021-26 Public Art Project Plan includes a project to work with the community, Street Transportation and Water Services departments to enhance the design of North 32nd Street following the Drought Pipeline Project. The artist will be expected to work with the Street Transportation Department Project team to integrate public art throughout the improvements such as sidewalks, landscape, bus stops, or sculptures, enhancing the overall pedestrian experience throughout the site.
On January 28, 2022, a five-person artist selection panel reviewed a pool of 86 applicants who responded to the project's open Request for Qualifications. Mr. Zokaites was recommended based on his experience in creating impactful public art projects, his demonstrated ability to involve the community in meaningful ways, and his potential to create a site-specific concept for this community.
The selection panel included Ruri Yampolsky, Waterfront Program Manager, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture; Rick Ross, Dean, Shadow Mountain High School; Wylwyn Reyes, Public Art Project Manager, Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona; Allison Barnett, community representative; and John Dickson, Project Manager, City of Phoenix Streets Transportation Department.
Financial Impact
The North 32nd Street Improvements Project is one of 40 projects in the Fiscal Year 2021-26 Public Art Project Plan that City Council approved on June 23, 2021. The proposed $50,000 design contract will cover all costs for the artist to work with City staff, Project Engineering and Design Consultants, and the Office of Arts and Culture to produce a complete and buildable design. It will also include any additional work to engage the community during the design phase of the project. The percent-for-art funds for this project come from the Street Transportation and Water Services departments Capital Improvement Program.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission reviewed and recommended approval of this item at its March 8, 2022, meeting. The Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee reviewed and approved this item by a 4-0 vote at its April 6, 2022 meeting.
Location
Council District: 3
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Office of Arts and Culture.