tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post3329295467825404772..comments2023-10-24T11:05:25.288-04:00Comments on Mark Rauterkus & Running Mates ponder current events: Pittsburgh's 1st public art manager begins soon - Pittsburgh Tribune-ReviewMark Rauterkushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7481330.post-74978040328804153132007-08-09T12:31:00.000-04:002007-08-09T12:31:00.000-04:00full articlePittsburgh's 1st public art manager be...full article<BR/><BR/><I>Pittsburgh's 1st public art manager begins soon<BR/>By Mike Cronin<BR/>TRIBUNE-REVIEW<BR/>Thursday, August 9, 2007<BR/><BR/>If Pittsburgh wants to attract more young people -- and convince them to stay here -- the city must become more attractive, Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said.<BR/><BR/>Enter Kim Baker, 30, formerly of Seattle. The new Lawrenceville resident starts Aug. 20 as Pittsburgh's first-ever public art manager.<BR/><BR/>"This is an investment in the city of Pittsburgh," Ravenstahl said. "We need public art in the places where we live, work and play. Any dynamic city has public art."<BR/><BR/>Baker will be responsible for maintaining, repairing and expanding the city's collection of 100 or so pieces of art. She will evaluate and determine which pieces are "a good fit" and which are not. She plans to develop a policy for those who'd like to donate art to the city.<BR/><BR/>The Heinz Endowments will pay Baker's $52,000 annual salary, but she will be a city employee in the Planning Department.<BR/><BR/>"Great cities have great art. It is what draws people to cities; it's a quality of life issue" said Baker, who worked in Seattle's Office of Art and Cultural Affairs for seven years, most recently as a public art project manager. "I like public art, in particular, because access is available to everyone."<BR/><BR/>Another argument for public art is economic, said Sandra Duncan, public art program manager in Nashville.<BR/><BR/>"Our Chamber of Commerce toured comparable cities to research their art collections," Duncan said. "The richness of a city is reflected through art. It's good for business. It enlivens the city. It sends out a message of goodwill and spirit to residents and visitors."<BR/><BR/>Pittsburgh has a public-art funding ordinance. But it hasn't been enforced for years, Baker and Ravenstahl said. The ordinance mandates that 1 percent of the cost of public building construction or renovation projects of more than $50,000 go toward funding public art.<BR/><BR/>Baker said she plans to review the ordinance. She hopes within three to five years, the city will commission artists to produce pieces for public spaces.<BR/><BR/>"It's going to be a challenge, but it's going to be the kind of challenge where I'll be excited to get up in the morning," Baker said. "The potential for good is great."<BR/><BR/>Pittsburgh previously hired a part-time consultant to advise on public art issues, said city Planning Director Noor Ismail.<BR/><BR/>The value of Pittsburgh's art collection is unknown; a professional appraisal hasn't been conducted, said Renee Piechocki, 34, a North Side artist who heads the public-private partnership Pittsburgh Office of Public Art. Piechocki will work closely with Baker.<BR/><BR/>"Kim is going to be the point person for the city's public art," Piechocki said. "People are looking to do art in our public spaces. Pittsburgh needed to get in line with the 350 other public arts programs in the United States."<BR/><BR/>Mike Cronin can be reached at mcronin@tribweb.com or 412-320-7884. </I>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com