11-6-2024
Public Arts Commission
November 6, 2024
6:00 PM
Fridley Civic Campus, 7071 University Ave N.E.
Minutes
Call to Order
6:00 PM
Present
Josh Collins
Ryan Fugleberg
Gary Osterbauer
Kara Ruwart
Frank Sedzielarz
Maija Sedzielarz
Gary Swanson
Council Liaison: Ann Bolkcom
Staff Liaison: Scott Hickok
Absent
N/A
Approve of Meeting Minutes
Minutes approved as submitted
New Business
Definitions for the Policy Document
The Commission held a general discussion before they defined Public Art. The group expressed the
desire to have Public Art defined. The Commission Reviewed Public Art definition precedents from
research of other organizations.
Fridley Public Art Commission’s definition of public art:
A work of art designed and or created by an artist or artist-led team located indoors or outdoors
and visually and/or physically accessible to the public. It may include permanent visual art,
performances, installations, events and temporary works.
Goals Defined For The Policy Document
After a general discussion of the need for goals that define what the Public Art would accomplish the
following list was created:
Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 2
Meeting 12/12/2024
Foster community identity and spirit, encourage dialogue, and promote cultural enrichment.
Create unique destinations or points of interest.
Contribute to economic development through a creative arts program.
Establish connections with city departments for planning and implementing public art
programs. Actively engage with other governmental jurisdictions to partner and support
these programs.
Share goals and priorities for public art through citywide communication channels.
Promote community involvement and cultivate civic pride by encouraging involvement with
public art.
Giving purpose to a location or site…
Recognize and celebrate the area’s changing history and
Celebrate our community’s heritage, ethnicity, commonality, and civic pride by stimulating
collaboration and understanding between artists and Fridley’s diverse community.
Ensure long-term care and maintenance of a public art collection.
Partnership with Fridley Arts Foundation in the long-term funding and viability of the
program.
Inspire creative thinking and innovation.
Frank Sedzielarz, Josh Collins, Ryan Fugleberg committed to gather via email to wordsmith the
definition and goals prior to the December meeting.
Old Business
Scott Hickok provided a brief update on the Community Development Block Grant Application regarding
the former Fire Station Number 3/North Suburban Center for the Arts Building. Mr. Hickok indicated that
the staff at Anoka County are recommending approval of the application for $350,000 to make
accessibility and safety improvements to the building.
The next step in the process is the hearing before the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to consider
and potentially approve the City’s Application.
Staff for the Rum River Center for the Arts has indicated that their Board has expressed an interest in
occupying the building if the accessibility improvements can be made. The Mak, the Director of the Rum
River Arts Center will be attending the meeting in December to demonstrate their interest in the
improvements and potentially occupying the space.
Other Items
None
Adjournment
7:56 PM
Public Arts Commission Minutes Page 3
Meeting 12/12/2024
Respectfully submitted,
Scott Hickok
Recording Secretary