[HISTORY: Adopted by the Common Council of the City of Peekskill 2-10-2025 by L.L. No. 1-2025. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A.
The purpose of the Peekskill Arts Council ("Arts Council") is to preserve and grow Peekskill's reputation as a "City of Art" by advising the Common Council, reducing barriers to exhibiting and performing public art in Peekskill, and maintaining a regionally acclaimed collection of outdoor sculpture and visual arts.
B.
The Arts Council is responsible for making recommendations to the Common Council about the selection of public art.
As defined in § 575-60, an artist is an individual who practices one of the fine, design, graphic, musical, culinary, literary, computer or performing arts; or an individual whose profession relies on the application of the above-mentioned skills to produce a unique creative product; i.e., an architect, craftsperson, teacher of art, music, dance, etc., chef, photographer, etc.
Permanent artworks donated to or commissioned by, and owned by, the City of Peekskill.
Public art embodies all forms of art and culture conceived in varied disciplines, including, but not limited to, visual, performing, literary, and new-media arts. Public art must be exhibited in a place that is broadly accessible and available for the public to experience. The following are possible public art projects:
Temporary artistic and cultural projects proposed by applicants;
Temporary artistic and cultural projects commissioned by the City;
Temporary artworks or long-term loans that are on City property, but not owned by the City; and
Permanent artworks donated to or commissioned by, and owned by, the City of Peekskill.
A.
The Arts Council consists of nine members who shall be appointed by the Common Council. A minimum of five members shall live in the City of Peekskill. All members shall live in, work in, volunteer in or contribute significant time and effort in a professional or volunteer capacity to the City of Peekskill.
B.
Arts Council officers. The Arts Council officers shall include a Chair and a Vice Chair. As the Arts Council does not receive or distribute funding, the duties of a Treasurer are performed by the City of Peekskill Staff Liaison when direct City funding or other contributions (as described in Subsection C below) are necessary for public art installation, maintenance or outreach.
C.
Staff Liaison. The City Manager will appoint a Staff Liaison to the Arts Council. The Staff Liaison will work with the Arts Council Chair to facilitate regular Arts Council meetings, member term renewals, and new member appointments. The Staff Liaison will coordinate with all City departments as needed to review public art applications and maintain the municipal art collection.
D.
Common Council. The Common Council is ultimately responsible for decisions concerning public art and the municipal art collection. The Arts Council advises the Common Council. The Common Council authorizes new public art proposals by resolution after receiving a presentation and recommendation from the Arts Council. The Common Council also authorizes maintenance actions and deaccessioning of artworks, when necessary, by resolution after receiving a presentation and recommendation from the Arts Council.
A.
Each member of the Arts Council shall serve for a term of three years. Initial terms of Arts Council members may be staggered as determined by the Common Council.
B.
The Peekskill Arts Council shall elect its own Chair and Vice Chair from among the members.
C.
The Common Council may remove any member of the Peekskill Arts Council for cause after public hearing, if requested. Vacancies shall be filled by the Common Council for the unexpired term of the vacant seat.
D.
All members of the Peekskill Arts Council shall serve without compensation.
The Peekskill Arts Council shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities, subject to City funding:
A.
Make recommendations to the Common Council regarding the acquisition, exhibition, maintenance, and deaccessioning of temporary and permanent public art.
B.
Assist City staff in reviewing the location, safety, sustainability, and term of exhibition for proposed public art.
C.
Establish and maintain an inventory of all public art, including the municipal art collection.
D.
Establish and implement a maintenance plan for the municipal art collection.
E.
Establish and implement an application process for new public art proposals.
F.
Serve as the City of Peekskill's curatorial committee for the review of public art, when necessary.
G.
When opportunities for new public art installations in Peekskill arise, assist with open calls and reviewing submissions.
H.
Establish and maintain a website that provides complete information about public art, local arts and culture organizations, and relevant events in Peekskill.
I.
Foster collaboration in Peekskill's arts community, connecting various arts nonprofits, artists, residents, businesses, and City representatives.
J.
Amplify messages about funding resources and public art exhibition opportunities for artists.
K.
Recommend Common Council actions to increase the City's budget for public art.
