About the Committee

The Durham Public Art Committee advises the Durham Cultural Advisory Board and acts on behalf of the board on matters relating to public art. The committee functions are to:

1.  Assist the City’s General Services Department and Durham County Engineering to advise the city and county regarding the implementation of their Public Art Policies. The City of Durham Public Art Policy was approved by the City Council on September 16, 2019, and the Durham County Public Art Policy was approved the Board of County Commissioners on September 9, 2019.

2.  Review proposals for public art projects brought to it by the Public Art Program administrators and make recommendations to the Durham Cultural Advisory Board with regard to project approvals

Durham Public Art Committee Responsibilities

The Durham Public Art Committee (PAC) advises the Durham Cultural Advisory Board, under the leadership of the City’s General Services Department and Durham County Engineering, and acts on behalf of the board on matters relating to public art. The committee functions are to:

1.  Assist and advise the City and County regarding the implementation and evolution of the Public Art Program.

2.  Cultivate and review proposals for public art projects brought to it by City and County administration and other stakeholders.

3.  Work as a community advocate for public arts within the City and County by building awareness and forging connections that lead to involvement, investment, and opportunity.

Mission Statement of the Durham Public Art Committee

We believe public art is an integral part of the community fabric: playing an important role in shaping interactions with public spaces; recognizing and celebrating the diverse communities, artists, and history within the Durham County and City of Durham; and offering unique opportunities to be exposed to and engage with art independent of institutional settings.

Values

We recognize the success of the Durham Public Art Committee are dependent on creating bridges and interactions among diverse Durham communities, neighborhoods, artists, and the Public Art Program Administrators. Our decisions and actions are guided by several key values:

• Centered on Durham - The Durham Public Art Committee is committed to recognizing Durham’s rich history, addressing the needs of local communities, and capitalizing on the creative energy that makes Durham unique. By engaging with and advocating for our neighborhoods, artists, local businesses, and government partners, we aim for a positive and lasting impact in guiding our city’s future.  

• Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity - We are committed to respectfully representing Durham’s communities through our committee membership, community engagement processes, and promotion of public art projects. By increasing local access to public art, we aim to engage and uplift marginalized communities and to promote diverse and inclusive narratives.

• Accessibility and Growth - The Durham Public Art Committee meetings, records, and policies are available for public review. The Committee is receptive to feedback on standards and procedures, and strives to make artist calls, selection processes, and community engagement clear and accessible.

• Engaging Local Artists - The Durham Public Art Committee is committed to promoting and growing our local arts community by creating and supporting professional and educational opportunities for local artists through public art projects.”

Member Expectations 

Members serve without compensation and must reside or work within the City of Durham and actively contribute to the cultural and economic sectors. Committee members may be called upon to:

• Attend a new-member orientation and learn about Durham's public art history;

• Attend a monthly, 1.5 hour meeting, missing no more than 3 meetings per year;

• Serve additional supporting roles, such as on project-focused task forces, community engagement sessions, and/or Artist Selection Panels

• Research and communicate public art best practices;

• Communicate with public stakeholders to support public art and its funding

• Develop new public art projects that fit our strategic goals;

• Support ancillary programming around public art installations;

• Promote major public art achievements/events, including through social media;

• Recruit new committee members and partners;

• Promote major public art achievements/events;

• Learn, laugh and grow with us as we support Durham's Public Art Programs!

Vacancies & Applications

The Durham Cultural Advisory Board appoints least nine Durham Public Art Committee members (with up to three additional student members from high school and schools of higher learning). Members serve three year terms, and may be reappointed for a second term. After two consecutive full terms, members must step down for a period of at least two years before being considered for re-appointment. Student members serve for an one-year term, and may be reappointed for two additional terms.

For information about the committee and the application process, call or email Rebecca Brown at 919.560.4197 x 21245.

Regular Meetings

• 8:30 AM
• 3rd Wednesday of the month
• General Services Department, 2011 Fay Street, Durham, NC 27704

Members

Mya Castillo-Marte, Chair Jaime Chaves Lana Dennis Doreen Jakob Ann King Lee Nisbet David Ojo Laura Ritchie Eliza Redmann

Michelle Smith  JP Trostle Myra Weise Student Members Oliver Hess Bren Vienrich-Felling

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes