Art in Public Places Initiative

Public Art is an asset that enriches the lives of residents without visiting a museum or formal arts venue, by being staged in the public domain.

Public Art contributes to the identity of a city, stimulates creativity, inspires and educates its citizens, builds community participation, creates partnerships between corporations, government and citizens. It is a magnet for tourism and should create a sense of place. Public art can be thought provoking; start dialogs, and develop human interaction.

The Art in Public Places Initiative (APPI) is a subcommittee of the Leawood Arts Council. APPI is comprised of the APPI Chair appointed by the Mayor, the LAC Chair, one City Council liaison (non-voting), a City Cultural Arts Supervisor and up to five Leawood residents selected by the LAC.

The term “Public Art” may include, but not be limited to the visual and performing arts, creative production of music, drama, dance, creative writing, arts and crafts, film, photocopying or other suitable expression, (including that of an artist as a member of the design team for a building, park land or infrastructure), sculptures, painting, mural, manhole cover, paving pattern, lighting, seating, building façade, kiosk, gate, fountain, play equipment, engraving, carving, fresco, mobile, collage, mosaic, bas-relief, tapestry, photography, drawing, landscape item (including artistic placement of natural material), arches, or other structures of a permanent or temporary character intended for ornament or commemoration. “Public Art” can also be performances, exhibitions, and other activities promoting the enjoyment and appreciation of the arts for Leawood residents.

City Art Funding

The Funding sources for each project are identified by the Art in Public Places Initiative subcommittee as part of the project definition or scope.  The Capital Art Funds shall come from one of two sources for all Leawood Arts Council projects and programs, as recommended to the Governing Body by the Director of Parks and Recreation based on recommendation of the LAC. Monies from these funds shall be used for the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of public art.

Sources are as follows:

• Public Funding

  • City Public Capital Art Fund

    The Capital Art shall be included in the City’s annual budget and pay for LAC projects and programs.  The fund is based on City population and budgeted at $5.00 per year, per resident.

  • Public Art Impact Fee

    The Impact Fee for Public Art is assessed on non-residential private development, renovation or redevelopment projects at the rate of $.15 per square foot of such projects.  This obligation may be satisfied through an art project, initiated by the developer.  The cost of the project, which is privately funded, must be equal to or greater than the dollar value of the obligation, which is placed in accordance with the APPI Policy and follows the process for the acquisition of public art, must comply with the City’s Planning codes and restrictions and is deeded over to the City.

• Private Funding

  • Grants from Arts Agencies

    Application for public arts funding may be made to private agencies and foundations which fund the arts.

  • Private Donations

    Private monetary donations will be sought through various fundraising activities and channels. Such private, non-taxpayer monies will be accumulated and held by the Leawood Foundation, a 5019(c)(3) and designated for the relevant subcommittee of the LAC.

  • Private Donations of Art

    All private donations of art are subject to approval by the Selection Panel process. Donated art must be accompanied by a maintenance fee equal to 10% of the project cost. With approval of the Governing Body, APPI may opt to provide this conservation fee. All gifts of art must follow the final approval for art and accompanied by a Deed of Gift.

• Public-Private Funding

  • Public-Private monies may be raised through partnerships, collaborations or matching grants.