Initiative to Significantly Increase Outdoor Art on the University of Arkansas Campus

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas has long been known as a quintessential college campus, endowed with stately historic buildings, majestic foliage and unique landmarks and traditions. Under a new initiative spearheaded by the chancellor, outdoor art will be added to this list of elements that enrich the aesthetic qualities of the Fayetteville campus.

In 2009, the university will embark on a major drive to increase the amount of art on display in outdoor areas throughout campus. This art is expected to take a variety of forms, including sculpture, murals, paintings, ceramics, mosaics, photography, fiberworks, mixed media and architectural site elements, and may be permanent, semi-permanent, functional or temporary.

“This is a tough time economically for everyone, but this initiative sends a clear message that we cannot allow difficult economic times to curtail our commitment to the arts in general,” said Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “Now is the time to show unwavering support for the arts.

“Public art defines a sense of place, allows audiences to experience and consider new ideas, and can enhance the learning opportunities at the university,” he added. “A public art program can express the value of art and education to the campus community, regardless of one’s academic discipline.”

The first step in this initiative is the establishment of a public art oversight committee, appointed by the chancellor and composed of students, faculty, staff, administrators and a significant proportion of community members. The committee will serve in an advisory capacity for the chancellor and as the primary recommending body on all decisions regarding public art on campus. Committee members will serve a two-year term, and may be reappointed.

The committee also will be responsible for developing criteria for the collection of art, identifying the concepts for a set of public art initiatives, establishing a process for commissioning works and making recommendations for a fundraising program. All outdoor art will be funded or obtained through private gift support and gifts of artwork, and will be in line with a newly developed campus master plan for public art.

During the evaluation of artistic materials and projects, the oversight committee will meet as often as necessary. Additional advisory members and specialists may be included as needed for specific tasks and projects.

“The university community has expressed a desire to include art in new and existing buildings and landscapes, and some citizens and artists are interested in donating or selling art to the institution,” said Gearhart. “Pursuing this endeavor dovetails perfectly with a university’s responsibility and central role as a cultural resource to the community. It also complements existing cultural venues on campus, such as galleries, auditoriums, buildings and public spaces.

“The next step is to finalize appointments to the oversight committee and carefully develop a procedure for proper review, acceptance, documentation and maintenance of artworks, a process that we expect to have completed this spring,” he added.

Public artwork on the Fayetteville campus has precedent. The Peace Fountain, designed by Fay Jones, is one of the most recognizable landmarks on campus, and the native American-themed sculpture by Denny Haskew titled “Courage to Lead” is prominent near Vol Walker Hall and close to the Trail of Tears, which runs along the southern edge of campus. Other public artwork on campus include the sculpture courtyard of the School of Law, a statue on the fifth floor of Old Main, the physics mobile and the Calder mobile, among other smaller works dispersed throughout campus.