Request for Committee Action
A briefing memo explaining the purpose, background, and impact of the requested action.
Agreements with the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Native American Community Development Corporation for a temporary public artwork along Franklin Avenue (RCA-2021-00650)
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
To Committee(s)
| # | Committee Name | Meeting Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee | June 8, 2021 |
Action Item(s)
| # | File Type | Subcategory | Item Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing the execution of an agreement with the Minnesota Department of Transportation or their assigns for a temporary public artwork along Franklin Avenue. |
| 2 | Action | Contract/Agreement | Authorizing the execution of an agreement with Native American Community Development Corporation or their assigns for a temporary public artwork along Franklin Avenue. |
| 3 | Resolution | Designation | Passage of Resolution acknowledging and extending support for a proposed art project. |
Previous Actions
None
Ward / Neighborhood / Address
| # | Ward | Neighborhood | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ward 6 | Ventura Village | Franklin Ave from Hiawatha Ave to 16th Ave S. |
Background Analysis
The Native American Community Development Corporation (NACDI) and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) have been collaborating on the development of a temporary public artwork at the location of a former primarily American Indian encampment of 200-300 individuals known as “the Wall of Forgotten Natives," which was closed in December 2018, The proposed artwork on the fence by artist Courtney Leonard will respond to community concern that the chain link fence surrounding the site sends a message of hostility and does not recognize the significance of the site to the American Indian community and the ongoing crisis of unsheltered American Indian people.
MNDOT's public art permitting process is only open to political subdivisions of the state, other state agencies, or tribal governments. As such, Community Planning and Economic Development is requesting to enter into an agreement with MNDOT for the permit and with the NACDI to execute and maintain the mural. The application must also include a resolution from the applicant's governing body stating the applicant's leadership is aware of and supports the proposed art project.
NACDI and MNDOT are assuming all costs for producing and maintaining the artwork. There is not a final design for the artwork at this time, and the agreement includes bringing the final design before the Minneapolis Arts Commission prior to installation.