Subject
title
Art in Public Places: Twinbrook Annex Mural
end
Department
City Manager's Office (CMO)
Recommendation
Approve the artwork for a mural for the exterior wall of the Twinbrook Annex as
recommended by the Cultural Arts Commission as part of the Art in Public Places program.
Discussion
The City's Cultural Arts Commission and the Artist Nomination Committee (Attachment A) recommend that the Mayor and Council approve the mural proposed by artist LaToya Peoples (shown in Attachment A) for the Twinbrook Annex. The design celebrates Twinbrook's rich history and diverse culture through vibrant colors and symbolic elements.
The design features three young people holding significant organic symbols. By incorporating the ideas and preferences of the community, the mural will serve as a visual representation of Twinbrook's identity, honoring its past while embracing its future. One figure will be holding a blossoming flower, symbolizing the beauty and growth of Twinbrook. A second child holds an ear of corn, representing the Piscataway Natives, the original inhabitants of Rockville, and their connection to and stewardship of the land. The third child holds a daffodil, a symbol of rebirth, potential, and the arrival of spring.
The background depicts an idealized scene inspired by the original two streams of Twinbrook and the Higgins family farm. It also serves as a tribute and homage to the enslaved peoples who played a vital role in clearing the land and shaping Twinbrook's history.
The nomination of LaToya Peoples as the artist was based on a thorough and structured process (outlined in Attachment A) that included reviewing 36 artist applications, a community input survey, a review of proposals from three finalists, and the selection of Ms. Peoples as the finalist. The Artist Nomination Committee unanimously recommended Ms. People’s proposal and the Cultural Arts Commission voted unanimously to support their recommendation. The Cultural Arts Commission supports the proposed design and recommends that the Mayor and Council award the $12,500 art commission to Ms. Peoples.
This project was funded in the FY2024 budget through the City's Arts in Public Places ordinance, which demonstrates the City's and the Mayor and Council’s commitment to promoting public art and cultural diversity.
Modifications to the artwork and its size will be necessary based on the installation site, as the artwork will need to be installed on panels rather than painted directly on the wall of the building. Adjustments to details or colors may be made by the artist to ensure the mural fits seamlessly into its surroundings. Design updates may also be made based on additional engagement the artist intends to do with the community. City staff will oversee changes to ensure they align with the original vision and enhance the artwork's impact and longevity, with the ultimate goal of creating a beautiful and inspiring piece of public art that reflects the community's values and can be enjoyed by visitors to the Twinbrook Community Center.
Members of the Cultural Arts Commission and the Artist Nomination Committee urge the Mayor and Council to approve the recommendations and move forward with the mural project. It will not only enhance the cultural landscape of the city but also provide a vibrant and meaningful representation of the community's values.
The proposed mural is an important step for the Cultural Arts Commission, Mayor and Council, and staff in their collective efforts to enhance the cultural landscape of our city. We encourage the Mayor and Council to approve the proposed mural, located at the Twinbrook Annex, and are thankful for their support for the growth of our artistic community.
Mayor and Council History
The Mayor and Council approved the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating budget, including funding for this Art in Public Places mural in May 2023.
Public Notification and Engagement
A Community Input Survey regarding the proposed project was posted on the city’s website, on social media, and through Next Door, among other places in November 2023. City staff also posted postcards and posters onsite and at nearby locations and shared the survey with the Twinbrook Community Association at their December 12, 2023 meeting. In December 2023, the City of Rockville posted a Request for Qualifications (Call for Artists) on the city’s website, on social media, and through local arts listservs to help identify an artist for this project. City staff also shared the Request for Qualifications with the Twinbrook Community Association. The Twinbrook Community Association was represented on the Artist Nomination Committee and has been updated regularly on the progress of this project.
Boards and Commissions Review
The Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was updated during the process and was represented on the Artist Nomination Committee. The Cultural Arts Commission was updated and represented on the Artist Nomination Committee.
Procurement
The acquisition of works of art for public display is exempt from competitive procurement in accordance with the Rockville City Code; Chapter 17, Purchasing; Section 17-87. - Exemptions.; (12) Acquisition of works of art for public display.
Fiscal Impact
The funding for the project ($12,500) is allocated in the Art in Public Places (AIPP) account (350-900-7701-0208), which is the Special Activities Fund. The AIPP account is a restricted account dedicated to the acquisition of works of art.
Next Steps
Upon approval, staff will coordinate with the Procurement Department and the City Attorney Department to begin contract negotiations and issue a Purchase Order to the artist.