Resolution No. 2024-55, Appointing Members to the Fridley Public Arts Commission
Resolution No. 2024-55
Appointing Members to the Fridley Public Art Commission
Whereas, the Fridley City Council (Council) asked staff to create a process for encouraging
Public Art in the City of Fridley (City); and
Whereas, to initially guide the Fridley Public Art Plan, the City enlisted LISC Twin Cities’ Corridor
Development Initiative (CDI) to facilitate a series of community workshops from September to
October 2023 to gather community input; and
Whereas, numerous residents and business participants attended three community workshops,
and others offered their input through an on-line Public Art Ideas map that provided an
alternative way for community members to identify potential locations for public art and
suggestions for what type of public art could be a good fit for those locations; and
Whereas, as defined by those members of the public, accessible original art enriches the City as
it evokes meaning in the public realm. It can be a variety of art forms and takes into
consideration the site, its location and context, and the audience. Public art may possess
functional as well as aesthetic qualities; it may be integrated or discreet. Artists may work in
partnership with other design professionals or members of the community; however, the artist is
directly involved in the concept, design, or creation. Performances, installations, events, and
other temporary expressions are included in the definition; and
Whereas, those engaged in the process created the following mission statement: Empowering
our vibrant community through the transformative power of public art, our mission is to
cultivate a cityscape that celebrates diversity, creativity, and shared experiences. We are
dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging, sparking dialogue and inspiring innovation through
the strategic integration of art into our urban fabric, enhancing the quality of life for all residents
and visitors; and
Whereas, the public participants recommended the following:
1. Creation of an Arts Commission composed of people who understand art.
2. Commissioners could include artists/creatives, business owners, community
organizations, and others.
3. Delay creating public art policies or ordinances until there is clarity from experience, and
how to best guide or administer public art initiatives (e.g., how to accept donations or
gifts, how to sunset art, etc.).
4. Consider ways to integrate public art into capital projects where the City is already
building infrastructure.
5. Coordinate efforts with the Park System Improvement Plan to explore opportunities to
incorporate public art in parks.
Resolution No. 2024-55 Page 2
6. Other cities like Hopkins, Bloomington, Mankato, Minneapolis, and Saint Paul have
models of governance bodies that oversee public art activities and offer important
insights valuable to their cities; and
Whereas, all members of the task force originally created in 2023, in response to the Public Arts
engagement process have carried on their responsibilities admirably; and
Whereas, members of that task force included Joshua Collins, Ryan Fugleberg, Gary Osterbauer,
Frank Sedzielarz, Maija Sedzielarz and Gary Swanson, who all agree to loyally transition into their
role as Public Art Commissioner.
Now, therefore be resolved, that the City Council of the City of Fridley does hereby appoint
Joshua Collins, Ryan Fugleberg, Gary Osterbauer, Frank Sedzielarz, Maija Sedzielarz and Gary
Swanson to the Fridley Public Arts Commission for terms to expire on December 31, 2027.
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Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Fridley this 22 day of April 2024.
_______________________________________
Scott J. Lund – Mayor
Attest:
_________________________________
Melissa Moore – City Clerk