Macon Arts Alliance is seeking nominations for the inaugural members of the Macon-Bibb Public Art Commission now through February 8.
 
In December 2017, NewTown Macon and Main Street Macon won a grant from the Downtown Challenge Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Georgia to install public art pieces in the urban core and to also research best practices for establishing a public art process that benefits the entire community. Main Street Macon and NewTown Macon partnered with Macon Arts Alliance and Commissioner Virgil Watkins to spearhead the effort to establish a public art policy for Macon-Bibb County. In November of 2018, the Macon-Bibb County Commission voted to approve a Public Art Ordinance for Macon-Bibb County.

The Public Art Ordinance established a Public Art Commission that will review applications for public art installations throughout the county. The Public Art Commission will approve public art applications and provide recommendations to artists.

As the designated arts agency for Macon-Bibb County, the Macon Arts Alliance will provide organizational and administrative support to the Public Art Commission.
 
"Public Art adds cultural, social and economic value to a community," said Macon Arts Alliance Executive Director Julie Wilkerson. "A streamlined process will enhance quality public art for our community and increase opportunities for area artists."

The Public Art Commission will consist of no less than seven and no more than nine members from the community. The Public Art Commission will include one staff member of the Macon Arts Alliance, one member from the administration of Macon-Bibb County Parks and Beautification, one member from Macon-Bibb County Engineering, one member from Macon-Bibb County Economic and Community Development, and three (but no more than five) citizens of Macon-Bibb County. The additional delegates will represent Macon-Bibb County arts agencies, non-profits, community groups and economic development organizations along with professional artists, arts educators, and lay persons.

The Public Art Commission is accepting nominations for no fewer than three, but not more than five, Macon-Bibb County citizens to serve as inaugural members of the Macon-Bibb Public Art Commission.

As an inaugural member of the Public Art Commission, individuals will establish and vote to approve public art guidelines and evaluate public art applications on an as-needed basis. The estimated time commitment to serve on the Public Art Commission is no more than 20 hours annually. Public Art Commission members should have a knowledge and enthusiasm for public art and the community.

The deadline for applications to be considered is Friday, February 8 by 5pm. Nominations can be made online at http://www.maconartsalliance.org/macon-bibb-public-art-commission/.