PLACEMENT: New Business
TITLE:
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AIPP - PROGRAM MANUAL REVIEW AND PROGRAM OVERVIEW
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:executive summary
The Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) has reviewed and approved the update of the Art in Public Places Program Manual for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Staff will provide a review of the draft Program Manual, the 2026 Program Budget along with a general update on the Art in Public Places Program, prior to the BOCC’s consideration of the item on October 7, 2025.
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BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
In 1997, Martin County established a public art program that included on-going funding, through the building of new capital facilities, for works of art for public appreciation.
In 2017, the Board appointed the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) members as the Public Art Site Selection Committee. The seven committee members that constitute this committee are tasked with (i) reviewing and managing the AIPP program; (ii) making recommendations to the Board for the selection, purchase, lease, or commission of new public art and (iii) maintaining and repairing the current public art inventory.
In June 2019, staff presented to the Board proposed changes to the ordinance and other documents governing the AIPP Program, including the Manual and Budget. Those changes included a name change from the Public Art Site Selection Committee to the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) and the establishment of a steady funding stream through the General Fund. All changes proposed were approved by the Board. Funding for the AIPP Program is calculated as one percent (1%) of the construction costs of (i) new or remodeled County facilities, (ii) new active regional parks greater than fifty (50) acres and (iii) parking facilities. In order to assure that the AIPP Program can achieve its mission, in years that the County does not build or remodel any County facilities, regional parks or parking lots, AIPP receives a base amount of funding of $50,000 per year. This funding also assures that the current (and future) inventory of public art remains well-maintained to protect the County’s investments and guarantees a high standard of enjoyment for the viewing public.
In 2022, staff reported that the entire inventory had been repaired, had new signage and that each piece of public art had a funded and scheduled maintenance plan in place. And we are pleased to report the same is true in 2025.
The total AIPP budget is made of three sections, New Artwork/Capital Construction, Inventory Maintenance Projection, and an Operating/Administration budget. This allows for a completely transparent accounting of funds and expenditures. Chapter 13, General Ordinances of Martin County requires that funds contained within the AIPP Fund shall be allocated, as close as possible, as follows: seventy percent (70%) for art construction, appropriation and/or installation, and thirty percent (30%) for the maintenance of the public art inventory and administration of all facets of the AIPP Program (including staff time, exhibit programming, education, signage, dedication, public meetings, etc.).
The ordinance governing the AIPP Program also requires that the program operate according to, and in compliance with, the Manual and Budget. The Manual provides clear and concise operating instructions for the successful implementation of the AIPP Program. Additionally, included in the Manual are relevant forms for ease of program operation. The revised Program Manual is attached for the Board’s review and approval. Please note, the majority of the changes are due to a fresh, new design, more concise text and clarified procedures as opposed to any substantive changes in language or program management.
LEGAL SUFFICIENCY REVIEW:
This item has been reviewed for legal sufficiency to determine whether it is consistent with applicable law, and legal staff have identified and addressed legal risks and developed strategies for legal defensibility, as applicable.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
No action required; informational item only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
DOCUMENT(S) REQUIRING ACTION:
N/A
This document may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by contacting the County ADA Coordinator (772) 320-3131, the County Administration Office (772) 288-5400, Florida Relay 711, or by completing our accessibility feedback form at www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback <http://www.martin.fl.us/accessibility-feedback>.