Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution approves the design for Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago. The project is funded through the Municipal Art Fund (Munis project 65001). No additional City appropriation is required.
Title
Approving a public art feature, Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago, at the Madison Public Market and authorizing the Planning Division Director to sign any necessary contracts, agreements, and other documents to implement the project (District 12).
Body
WHEREAS, the Common Council adopted Resolution, I.D. 30476 on March 19, 2002, adopting the Public Art Framework and Field Guide for Madison, Wisconsin and recommendations contained in the framework; and,
WHEREAS, the Public Art Framework and Field Guide recommends the Madison Arts Commission create opportunities for community partnerships for Art in City-owned buildings; and,
WHEREAS, in October 2015, the Common Council approved the Business Plan for the Madison Public Market (RES-15-0081, Leg file 38885), affirming that the City of Madison’s long-term vision for the Public Market including an emphasis on space for public art & exhibitions; and,
WHEREAS, the Madison Public Market Foundation determined five themes for art in the Madison Public Market: Sustainability, Ecology, History, Place, and Inclusivity; and,
WHEREAS, at the September 24, 2024 Common Council approved (RES-24-00578 Leg file 85074) to amend the 2024 Municipal Art Fund to accept grants from the Hoke Family Foundation via the Friends of the Madison Arts Commission and Madison Community Foundation via the Madison Public Market Foundation with additional funds appropriated from the Municipal Art Fund which will support this mural project; and,
WHEREAS, on March 14, 2025, the Madison Arts staff opened a call for a native landscape mural on the northwest facade of the Madison Public Market (202 N First St) and closed the call on April 4, 2025, with 68 eligible applications from across the United States; and,
WHEREAS, on April 8, 2025, the Madison Arts Commission reviewed the 68 applications and named Amy Zaremba, Audifax, Helen Klebesadel & Ally Willber, and Nipinet Landsem & Cailtin Newago as semi-finalists and asked them to prepare design proposals for a native landscape mural at the Madison Public Market; and,
WHEREAS, on April 9, 2025, and May 9,2025, Madison Arts staff requested feedback from the Madison Public Market Foundation on the applications and the semi-finalists' design proposals; and,
WHEREAS, the semi-finalists presented their proposals on May 12, 2025, to the Public Art Standing Committee and they recommended to the Madison Arts Commission the selection of Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago for the native landscape mural at the Madison Public Market; and,
WHEREAS, on May 13, 2025, the Madison Arts Commission recommended the implementation of the attached design of Huura Šgaach by Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago; and,
WHEREAS, on May 22, 2025, Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago submitted a final design based on feedback from the Madison Art Commission; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Common Council approves the fabrication and installation of Huura Šgaach by of Nipinet Landsem and Caitlin Newago at the Madison Public Market.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the Common Council authorizes this project to be administered by the Madison Arts staff and the Planning Division Director to sign any necessary contracts, agreements, and other documents to implement this project.