TITLE
Authorizing Installation of Mural Artwork at Well 24
BODY
RECOMMENDATION
Water Utility (Utility) staff is seeking Board authorization for the installation of public art (mural) on the outside of Municipal Well 24 at 101 N Livingston Street, facing East. The proposed mural is to be placed on the back of the building, fastened to the wooden fence in front of emergency generators.
BACKGROUND
Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Association (TNLA) is interested in creating a mural through private donations and seeks Utility’s approval for installation of the mural at Well 24. =The mural is funded solely by private donors. No City of Madison, Water Utility or TLNA funds will be used. The purpose of the mural is to celebrate the rich history of the Tenney Lapham neighborhood and accomplish community enrichment through public art while activating the space for park-goers and neighborhood residents. The purpose above of “celebrating the rich history of the Tenney Lapham neighborhood” has been shared with all three artists.
Water Utility staff has consulted with Madison Arts Program Staff to ensure the selection process follows City practices and best practices. The mural will be created by a local artist and go through the City of Madison Arts Commission (Commission) approval process.Commission’s Public Art Subcommittee will consider recommendation of the mural artwork on 9/15/2025 and the full Commission will consider approval of the mural artwork on 9/17/2025. A required anti-graffiti coating will be added on the mural. Appropriate city permits have been secured, and sufficient funds are in place for the project to proceed.
Each artist presented their conceptual designs at a special TLNA meeting on August 19. Members of the community were given the opportunity to share their thoughts and reactions. This information was also shared via TLNA listserv with over 600 subscribers.
INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE PLAN
Madison Water Utility/City of Madison staff will not maintain the mural. The mural and its maintenance are the sole responsibility of TNLA.
Mural is to be installed on the wooden fence behind the Well facility, facing east toward Reynolds Park. A Water Utility maintenance staff member will oversee the installation.
Mural is not to interfere with emergency response procedures and/or facility improvements at Well 24. Madison Water Utility reserves the right to remove the mural at any point if it hinders with the functionality of Well 24. The mural is to be in place for a maximum duration of five years from the date of installation. After five years, TNLA will seek Board authorization for continued display of the mural at Well 24.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Location Map for Mural