HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Art and Beautification Executive Summary EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Oshkosh has developed this Public Art and Beautification Strategic Plan to establish strategies
for improving cultural and aesthetic opportunities throughout the city. Oversight of this project has been
provided by the Public Art and Beautification Committee, an appointed group of volunteer residents, and
representatives from various organizations and city departments. The committee members were responsible
for providing direction and review of plan components. The planning process also included multiple public
meetings and public hearings as well as a community-wide survey.
The City of Oshkosh has shown initiative towards improving cultural and beautification amenities in the city for
decades. The goal of the 2000 Downtown Plan and the 20171magine Oshkosh A Master Plan for our Center
City is to increase investment in the center city. In August of 2016, the Common Council established a Public
Art and Beautification Committee to help direct efforts towards improving access to public art amenities and
aesthetics in the city. Our city leaders understand that a sizeable amount of art and cultural opportunities
can be a good indicator of a thriving community. The City of Oshkosh is the 8th largest city in the state of
Wisconsin and has a rich history rooted in community involvement and social connections. The Public Art
and Beautification Committee would like to tap into the advantages of living in a midsized city by focusing on
artistic cultural and visual improvements.
This strategic plan is the result of many different ideas originating from residents and is an effort to strategize
the potential for art and beautification opportunities. The goal of the plan is to enhance community character
and economic growth. While it is challenging to ensure that everyone agrees on art based projects, this plan
provides a framework for projects that will be appropriate for the Oshkosh community.
The plan begins with an introduction which outlines the vision and goals. Additional information about the
plan and study area are also provided. The introduction includes a brief review of the purpose of a strategic
plan and concludes with a record of public engagement methods used during the planning process. Section
two provides an inventory of current community public art and beautification items and includes a map
indicating the location of all public art in the city. Section three provides recommendations for public and
private property, concluding with an action plan for the Public Art and Beautification Committee. Section
four provides a more detailed explanation about the role of various groups working towards implementing
this plan. The Public Art and Beautification Strategic Plan will be implemented by the Oshkosh Public Art and
Beautification Committee with support from the Common Council and interdepartmental city staff. Successful
implementation will rely heavily on public and private partnerships.