Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes a contract with artist Samantha Jane Mullen to provide up to $7,800 annually to offset expenses related to the residency as the third Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence. Funding for the contract will come from the Planning Division’s Municipal Art Fund (Munis project 65001). No additional City appropriation is required.
Title
Approving the Madison Arts Commission’s selection of Samantha Jane Mullen as the next Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence, and approving Ankur Malhorta as an alternate.
Body
WHEREAS, on January 16, 2018, a lease with the Town of Blooming Grove was approved by Resolution No. RES-18-00069, File No. 49683, which will allow for the City to use the space located at 3325 Thurber Avenue as an artist studio; and
WHEREAS, using the Thurber Park facility for an art studio fulfills Darbo-Worthington-Starkweather Neighborhood Plan recommendations adopted by the Common Council on September 19, 2017, Resolution Enactment Number RES-15-00436, File ID No. 47509; and
WHEREAS, over the last nine years the Madison Arts Commission, the Madison Arts Program and Madison Public Library’s Bubbler, have worked to shape an equitable and inclusive residency program that will have positive impact on the surrounding community and the professional advancement of the participating artists; and
WHEREAS, Madison Arts Program staff issued and widely publicized an open call for artists for the Thurber Park Artist-in-Residence opportunity on April 7, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Arts Commission reviewed and scored 37 applications at their May 13, 2026 meeting and ranked the application of Samantha Jane Mullen the highest, with Ankur Malhorta as the second highest; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Arts Commission recommends Samantha Jane Mullen be provided $7,800 annually, for the duration of the residency, to offset expenses related to the residency; and
WHEREAS, the Madison Arts Commission will seek an appropriate opportunity for the selected artist to create a proposal for a permanent public art piece for the City’s collection, for which, if approved by the Madison Arts Commission and the Common Council, the artist may receive further compensation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Madison Common Council approves of the selection of Samantha Jane Mullen to be the next artist-in-residence at Thurber Park, and Ankur Malhortaas alternate.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes the Planning Division Director to sign a contract on behalf of the City with artist Samantha Jane Mullen, or alternate, Ankur Mullen, if necessary, setting forth the terms of their occupancy of the studio space as Artist-in-Residence and providing a fee not to exceed $7,800 annually for their services and expenses related to occupancy of the studio space, open studios, workshops, supplies, and initial design of a public art work for Madison’s public art collection. The contract shall be in a form approved by the City Attorney and Risk Manager and counter-signed by the Finance Director.