Task Force for Arts Center

The Arts movement in Hastings continues to gain momentum. Word has been received from City Administrator, Melanie Mesko Lee, that Hastings is forming a Public Art Grant Task force to support and promote public art in our city. Projects such as the Artspace project will develop a new space for artists to live and work and the recently announced BreakAway Arts Caf touted as a “fitness center for creativity,” will open downtown this summer. The City of Hastings recognizes this energy and the City Council recently approved plans for a Public Art Grant program to support public art that is free and accessible to everyone. The City is seeking citizens to help shape this pilot program. They are looking for up to seven members with diverse personal and professional backgrounds who reflect the community and have a passion for the arts. The Task Force will be given a basic framework to work with, but will be asked to determine the best way to use grant funding to benefit the entire community. The initial wave of events and funding will run through December of 2016. Goals of the Task Force will include expanding framework for the public art grant pilot program. Actions to Solicit requests for and award public art grant(s). and The Preparation of a report for City Council which will review and provide recommendations on the grant process, the impact of the public art projects supported, the quality of the proposals submitted, and future considerations relating to public art in Hastings. It is expected that the Task Force will conduct 3-5 meetings in 2015, with the objective of recommending award of public art grant(s) by January 2016. $10,000 is currently allocated to these efforts in 2015. City staff will assist in facilitating these meetings. Those who are interested in learning more or applying to be a member of the Hastings Public Art Grant Task Force, should go to the city website at www.hastingsmn.gov. Click on Volunteer under the Residents tab. The City will begin reviewing applications on May 1, 2015. Contact Melanie Mesko Lee, City Administrator, at 651-480-2326 or mmesko_lee@hastingsmn.gov with questions.