Our Vision

Our vision is to:

  • Take a leading role in support of the Arts in the city of Annapolis
  • Demonstrate the economic and cultural benefit that full funding of the Arts Fund will bring to Annapolis
  • Build a base of support within the City government, the Annapolis community and other Arts organizations

Attain adequate levels and stable sources of funding necessary to accomplish tasks mandated by City legislation

Successful Projects

After its inception, the Art in Public Places Commission (AIPPC) was active in soliciting and funding proposals for numerous initiatives in downtown Annapolis, including the thirteen mural displays throughout the city, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra's 2008 international Young Composers Competition, the original sculpture "Shaping a City" in Newman Park, and the 2012 "Shoals" piece in Westgate Circle. Additionally, the Commission identified a need for improved signage at sites throughout the city, and engaged a local artist to design directional and informational signage providing details on the artists, the concept of the work, and the funding for each project.

In more recent years, as a result of the 2008 economic downturn and ensuing recession, and a changing focus within City government, appropriation to the Arts Fund declined significantly, thereby reducing the ability of the AIPPC to pursue local projects. In addition, several volunteers rotated off the Commission at the end of their terms, and those ward-specific slots proved difficult to fill. This year the Commission is again fully staffed, and committed to reenergizing and maximizing the potential intended by the original legislation.

Economic Benefit for Annapolis

A key factor in any successful plan for growth and development in the city of Annapolis is to make the city place where people desire to live and raise their families and where those who live elsewhere want to visit. Numerous studies over the past fifteen years, including a 2009 study done by the city of Annapolis, demonstrate that cities with vibrant Arts communities attract a more educated workforce, more tourism, and more investment than other municipalities.

The comprehensive Arts and Economic Prosperity study published in 2012 estimated that in the United States, the non-profit Arts industry generates $22.3 billion in revenue to local, state and federal governments, and provides 4.1 million full-time jobs. National survey data also indicate that in addition to local participation, 32% of Arts patrons reside outside the county in which Arts events take place, and that even in the face of recession in recent years, public Arts expenditure and participation continued to grow nationwide.

Clearly, Annapolis can realize significant economic benefit from maximizing municipal support for public art. As the lead agent for attracting and funding visual and performing Arts projects for public spaces in Annapolis, the AIPPC is poised to assume a leading role in the community. To this end, the group met last summer in an intensive retreat format to generate a unified vision and a dynamic action plan for 2013-2014.

AIPPC Action Plan 2013-2014

  • Review existing documentation and develop streamlined protocols for soliciting proposals and selecting art for public sites in Annapolis
  • Update the inventory of current City-owned public art
  • Identify potential locations for future public art projects
  • Create and implement an outreach plan for more effective communication with City Aldermen, staff members and the Mayor
  • Develop a plan for pursuing funding through grants and contributions, and for soliciting the maximum appropriation to the Arts Fund