TO: Mayor and Members of City Council
THRU: Jodi Phelps - Assistant City Manager
Dr. Gerald A. Newton, AICP - Director of Development Services
FROM: Craig Harmon, CZO - Senior Planner
Tom Cohen, Planner I
DATE: March 23, 2026
RE:Title
Receive the Public Arts Commission Annual Report 2025
Title
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COUNCIL DISTRICT(S):
Council District(s)
All
b
Relationship To Strategic Plan:
Goal IV: Desirable Place to Live, Work and Recreate
Objective A: To enhance recreation, leisure and cultural opportunities for all to thrive that reflects diversity.
Executive Summary:
The Public Arts Commission meets to consider acceptance and placement of public art by making recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
Background:
The Public Arts Commission is a six-member board whose main objective is to work closely with the Fayetteville City Planning Division, as designated by the City Manager, to review and comment on proposed or offered art projects in the City of Fayetteville. The board collaborates with the City Staff to:
• Review and comment on public art projects proposed or offered to the City of Fayetteville for placement on City-controlled property; confer with project initiator on the concept of the project, its proposed placement, circumstances and conditions relating to its acceptance;
• Solicit and annually update an inventory of existing City properties and resources for potential enhancements through visual art projects;
• Assess conservation and preservation needs of the existing public art collection; and
• Review and make recommendations regarding the removal or relocation of artworks.
The Public Arts Commission reviews and provides recommendations to The Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County regarding their annual ArtScape exhibit, which features artwork displayed throughout downtown Fayetteville. The Arts Council seeks temporary and permanent installations/works for the art exhibit, leasing artwork for one year and purchasing pieces for permanent display in the City. Last year, the Public Arts Commission approved over 15 art pieces that were displayed throughout the city in conjunction with the ArtScape 9 exhibit.
Issues/Analysis:
The City Council is asked to receive and accept the annual report.
The Public Arts Commission met once in the past year on May 6, 2025.
• Review and approval of ArtScape 9 Exhibition (temporary and permanent sculptures located in downtown Fayetteville and surrounding areas).
Two commissioners appointed
• Lauren Falls - Second term from 4/1/2026 to 3/31/2028
• Kia Jones - First term from 4/1/2026 to 3/31/2028
The next expected meeting is on May 5, 2026.
Budget Impact:
None.
Options:
Accept the report (recommended).
Request additional information.
Recommended Action::Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council accept the report.
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Attachments:
ArtScape 9 Exhibit