Members Present: Courtney Johnson- Co-Chair, John How- Co-Chair, Keely Holmes, Cori Huttinga, Kris Johnson, Melissa Regain, Royce Smith
Members Absent: Josh DeWeese, Amelia Fountain, Laurel Yost
Staff Support Present: Jaclyn Liebscher, Olivia Hayes

ITEM No.1 – BAC Public Art Update

As directed by MSU Communications and the Bobcat Athletic Complex (BAC) Steering Committee, the BAC Public Art project includes a MSU Athletics-branded ‘M’ structure of which the design cannot be altered. The funding for this structure is slated to come from the project’s public art allowance. PAAC members oppose blurring the definitions between campus signage, official branding and public art. Based on the established public art standards and requirements, PAAC does not feel that funding for this project should come from the public art budget.

Concerns were also expressed over being able to find an artist who would want to contribute work to the project within the parameters set by the MSU branding, as well as a possible hinderance regarding the available funding.

ITEM No.2 – BAC Public Art Budget

PAAC will look at finding alternative public art for the BAC with a reduced budget.

Including a public art allowance in the larger BAC budget was not a requirement, rather typical convention, and could have been excluded entirely. All members present agreed that they would like to see the 1% public art allowance become a requirement for all MSU projects, rather than a requirement only for state-funded projects.

Future discussions on funding art at MSU should consider including a provision for maintenance and conservation. One option to accomplish this would be to codify a maintenance budget as a standard percentage of the cost.

Action Item: Find out the overall budget reduction as a percentage and determine the new BAC public art budget for this project by June PAAC meeting.

ITEM No.3 – Harrison Hall – Old Dining Hall

There are two large walls in Harrison Hall that the PAAC is interested in using for public art. Past discussions included the idea of using one of these spaces for a ‘green wall’ with plants. The wall was designed to allow for this or other heavy installations.

Action Item: Put together images on potential designs for the interior mural.

ITEM No.4 – Lincoln Gateway to Campus – Shroyer Gym

Previously discussed putting up a mural facing the parking lot along South Eleventh Avenue. This project
would be funded by the 1% public art budget slated to be included with the MSU Wellness Center renovations.

Action Item: Create an art subcommittee for the MSU Wellness Center renovations.

Horizon Items

  • Further discussion on how art is funded at MSU.
  • Update on the call for submissions for Romney Oval.
  • Further discussion on including a maintenance budget in future art projects.