Developing a public art strategy for the Village of Cottage Grove

John Surdyk

Metrics

Community Size
Years
Course Title
Impact Consulting for Arts and Cultural Organizations
Course Letter Acronym
MHR
Course Number
746/747
Project Lead Faculty
John Surdyk

The Village of Cottage Grove is embarking on its inaugural public arts strategy to enrich community engagement, commemorate its centennial, and foster cultural vitality. Employing a mixed-method approach, the project entails qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys targeting 250 respondents, representing 2.5% of the village’s population. These methods help gauge public art preferences and perceptions among residents, leaders, business owners, and government officials. Preliminary insights from interviews underscore residents’ appreciation for Village history and art, while input from peer municipalities offers valuable guidance for effective public art initiatives. Recommendations for Cottage Grove encompass establishing a formal public art strategy, creating a public art commission, and collaborating with local artists and organizations. Ongoing data analysis will inform the crafting of a public arts vision statement, setting specific goals, and devising actionable steps for implementation, with considerations for community support, financial constraints, and potential impacts such as gentrification.

Intending to position Cottage Grove as an arts and culture hub, the public arts strategy seeks to showcase the community’s distinct identity and heritage through reflective public art installations. By emphasizing realism and sustainability through public art, the village is encouraged to pursue recommendations aligned with community interests while remaining adaptable to continuous evaluation and adjustment of strategies over time. This comprehensive approach celebrates Cottage Grove’s past and present. It cultivates a dynamic cultural landscape that resonates with residents and visitors alike, promoting the village as a vibrant destination for arts and artistic exploration.

UniverCity Contact Info: UniverCityAlliance@wisc.edu

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