MARION COUNTY — In a first of its kind study, researchers have completed a public art equity census in Marion County.
Researchers say Marion County has the nation's largest public art inventory with 3,090 public art works and the census was designed to analyze how Marion County can create equitable public spaces for everyone.
Rokh Research & Design Studio partnered with the Arts Council of Indianapolis and other groups for the nine month project, which looked at all of the visible artwork from the public right of way within the county.
"Through this, we were able to identify gaps in equity, public arts deserts and much, much more," Danicia Malone, principal urban planner and researcher for Rokh, said. "Our hope is that this report will be a tool of individual and collective action towards creating a public arts landscape that welcomes and acknowledges everyone."
MORE: Read the Public Art for All report
The report found that Black, Latino/a/e, Asian and Indigenous residents as a global majority account for 47.2% of the Marion County population but as creatives, collectively, they only account for 26.5% of the attributed works found.
Only 537, or 17% of the works, were marked with an artist signature, something researchers said hampered their ability to further study equity, inclusion, and representation.
"The Arts Council is committed to acting on the findings and recommendations that are detailed in the report, and this is part of our mission to support full creative life for all in our city," Julia Muney Moore, Indy Arts Council's Director of Public Art, said.
Moore says the Council plans to improve artist information and recognition at the locations of public art, addressing public art deserts and more.
Overall, the study suggests two distinct recommendations:
- Enact policies that seek to hire local creators who are caretakers within these areas.
- Develop guidelines that support the incorporation of a public art system that acknowledges the history and heritage of a neighborhood.
"Public art has always made Indianapolis special because of the artistic elements of our landscape. [They] have the power to create culture and space," Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas said. "The pandemic served as an undeniable proof that no matter what, this city needs artwork that reflects the vast arrays of experiences and cultures in our community."
Rokh says future phases of Marion County's efforts to build an equity audit include public art tours, a campaign to credit artists, community conversations about the findings and more actions to increase equity and spatial justice for public art.
-
Person fatally shot on north side of Indianapolis
A person was fatally shot on the north side of Indianapolis Wednesday morning, according to police.
Vision Zero falling behind on keeping people safe, safety advocate says
Three pedestrians were killed over the weekend in three separate locations in Indianapolis. A safety advocate is asking if the city is doing enough to protect pedestrians.
Indianapolis councilor proposes adding 17-year-olds to city’s curfew enforcement
Right now, 17-year-olds are not included in the public safety curfew hours but must follow the state’s curfew laws.
Ashton Dulin looks to step into larger role in Colts WR room
Ashton Dulin has been with the Colts since 2019 and has developed into a key player on special teams. He now looks to step into a larger role in the offense.
