Submitted By: Emily Parkman
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Presentation By: Cultural Arts Supervisor, Emily Parkman
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Department: Growth Management

STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve revised Ocala Public Art Roster open call
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BACKGROUND:
On December 4, 2024, staff presented and proposed a new open call for the Artist Roster, a directory of visual artists around the country approved by OMAC to be shortlisted for public art projects, both city and private initiatives. OMAC directed staff to create new written call for consideration. Staff presented a draft of the Artist Roster open call on June 4, 2025, and discussed a possible timeline for the call and application review. OMAC tabled motion recommending edits and other city examples.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
Staff updated the Ocala Artist Roster open call with the following information:
• Application Requirements
o 8-10 images of separate works
o Artwork information for each image/artwork to include project budget, project timeline, and description of concept
o Removal of short descriptive statement document as included in artwork information request
o Artist statement to include artist focus, preferred medium and project types, and capability to meet project timelines and budgets
• Selection Process
o Update criteria by removing “Professional Workmanship” and incorporating it into “Experience” category with capability to complete a project for a total of 15 points.
• Duration of Artist Roster listing for 4-5 years, until the next open call cycle
• Option for artists to not renew listing
• Incorporation of informal rolling application for local artists with biannual OMAC approval for CRA mural grant applications
Staff recommends approval of revised Ocala Public Art Roster open call and process pending any additional changes for implementation in January 2026.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny