Public Art

About the Public Art Program

Vision

In 2016 the City of Bainbridge Island revised its comprehensive plan to include a Cultural Vision for the next twenty years. In this plan, it stated that the arts and humanities are an integral part of the community
fabric and contribute to the economic vitality, community character, livability and quality of life of the island.

Mission

The mission of the public art program is to enhance the natural beauty of the island, foster diversity and inclusion, inspire contemplation, create community, and build a vibrant culture for locals and visitors alike through free access to art in public spaces.

Funding

The City includes funding for the arts and humanities in its biennial budget. In 2019 the City amended Ordinance 3.80 that created the Public Arts Works Program and Fund to allow $50,000 per year to be directed to the Public Art Fund. The City Council approves all expenditures and the City Finance Director administers the funds. Today, the City’s portfolio of public art is valued at more than $350,000 and includes more than 25 permanent pieces of art, in addition to rotating or temporary exhibition programs.

Staffing

The Public Art Program is managed by the Public Art Committee (PAC) and receives administrative support from the nonprofit Arts Humanities Bainbridge (AHB) paid through the Public Art Fund. AHB supports PAC by providing administrative functions, marketing and communications, collection maintenance and liaison work between artists, City staff and City Council. PAC members are citizen volunteers chosen from the community and appointed by AHB. They include local artists, designers, landscape architects, photographers and other creative people with a passion for public art. Under the City’s Cultural Element Goals, PAC is responsible for proposing new works and public art programs, assisting with design and installations, partnering with both private and public
agencies, reviewing donations of artwork and providing stewardship of the city’s portfolio.

To view a list of the COBI public art permanent collection, click here.

To learn more about the public art on Bainbridge Island, visit. CurrentsOnline.com/public-art

Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee (PAC) is a group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing public space through access to public art. The committee members are recruited by Arts & Humanities Bainbridge (AHB) for their artistic, cultural, or community knowledge.

PAC is responsible for proposing new works and programs to the City Council, assisting with design and implementation of installations, and advising the City on maintenance of the existing collection. AHB provides administrative support including press, community engagement, project management, grant applications and coordination with the City. AHB also consults with PAC to provide advisory services for a fee to private entities for placement of art in public spaces.

2020 Public Art Committee members
Steve Rabago (chair), Susan Arens, Bill Baran-Mickle, Patty Bell, Sylvia Carlton, Grace Harris, Andy Navage, Shawn Parks, Amy Roberts, Debra Ruzinsky, and Denise Stoughton

Interested in volunteering as a committee or jury member?
Contact: Steve Rabago.