Duluth updates guidelines for public art program

The Duluth City Council recently approved updated procedural guidelines for the Duluth Public Art Program. The Duluth Public Arts Commission, known as “DPAC,” consists of six regular members and one member of the mayor and council. At a minimum five members must reside in the city limits.

As part of the revisions, the city’s Planning and Development Department will require applicants with projects in excess of $100,000 to meet with DPAC representatives prior to the issuance of any development permit, certificate of completion, or certificate of occupancy. Donations to the public art program will not be required, but the meeting will give DPAC an opportunity to educate and discuss the impact of art on the community and the economy.

Developers and builders will be encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily contribute an art project or amount of money equal to the value of one percent of new, non-city initiated, construction or renovation projects, excluding projects that have their own master art plan.