On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Wayzata City Council voted to approve the creation of a Public Art Steering Committee, a step aimed at integrating public art into the city’s public spaces and community life. The council unanimously adopted Resolution 38-2024, formally establishing the committee.
The new committee aligns with Wayzata’s 2024-2026 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes sustaining community character and pride through artistic initiatives. Parks and Environment Planner Nick Kieser, who presented the proposal, emphasized the importance of public art in enhancing the city’s cultural and aesthetic appeal.
The Public Art Steering Committee will consist of five to seven members, appointed by the City Council, including local residents, business owners, and representatives potentially from organizations such as Blue Water Theatre and Minnetonka Center for the Arts. High school students from Wayzata School District may also serve on the committee.
Over the next year, the committee will develop a mission statement, goals, and bylaws. Their responsibilities will include researching funding options, identifying potential public art projects, and outlining a work plan that aligns with the $50,000 budget allocated by the City Council.
The city will begin advertising for committee positions in October, with the expectation that the positions will be filled in January and the committee will present recommendations towards the end of 2025.
“This is great to see come to fruition,” stated Mayor Johanna Mouton. “I know councilmember Plechash has been a strong proponent and a vocal proponent of establishing an art committee, and this interim step of assembling a steering committee to see which direction we want to go in… I think it’s a great step…”
Residents may apply in the upcoming committees and board selection process the City holds annually.
