Committee searches for street sculptures

As the city prepares for the installation of new roundabouts, Sarasota’s Public Art Committee is beginning a search for artwork to be featured in those roundabout centers.

The committee held a special meeting Tuesday night to officially kick off the process of finding the art, which they will ultimately recommend to the City Commission for approval. The project includes at least six roundabouts slated for construction in the heart of the city.

Committee Chairwoman Trulee Jamison said the group was looking for high-quality, large-scale, freestanding original art to stand in the center of the roundabouts.

“The challenge is to move as quickly as is possible with a complex agenda and to ensure we’re doing it in the best way we can,” Jamison said.

The group is looking to bring in an expert for assistance in the search process. Although the committee wants to encourage participation, the nature of the project — outdoor sculptures that fit within the roundabout centers — places inherent restrictions on the search process.

Board member Tim Jaeger said a project manager was essential for finishing the project in the best way.

“There’s a lot of language that needs to be put into this that’s very, very clear, formulating what it is we're looking for,” Jaeger said.

The group agreed to look for someone with experience curating a similar arts project. Before its next meeting, the committee members will do background research on potential project managers and reach out to cities that have also placed artwork in roundabout centers for more information.

The group briefly broached the subject of funding; $150,000 is available in the city’s Public Art Fund, but it was unclear whether that money could be used to hire a consultant. The group talked about eventually looking for larger community buy-in and participation.

With the earliest roundabouts scheduled for completion in 2015, the committee has time to discuss finer details. For now, the committee is focused on creating a thorough process that produces outstanding results.

“We want the best for our community — we don't want to miss an opportunity like this to have the best of the best,” Jaeger said. “It sounds very simple in its nature, but it’s extraordinary.”

Contact David Conway at [email protected]