Corning Public Art Strategy

public art strategy

CITY OF CORNING, NEW YORK

corning public art

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CONTENTS Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Vision for Public Art in Corning Chapter 3: The Corning Community Chapter 4: Establishing the Public Art Program Chapter 5: Implementing the Program Chapter 6: Big Ideas to Inspire

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introduction

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS TO THOSE WHO MADE THIS PLAN POSSIBLE This plan was made possible through the financial support of City of Corning, Corning City Council and the Corning Incorporated Foundation. Numerous stakeholders and institutions throughout Corning contributed this effort and are integral to it implementation. Special thanks to Jennifer Miller with the City of Corning and Connie Sullivan-Blum, Chair of the Public Art Committee for their time and dedication to this planning effort.

CORNING CITY COUNCIL

Other Key ORGANIZATIONS

CITY STAFF

Mayor William M. Boland Jr.

Corning Incorporated Foundation

Mark Ryckman, City Manager

Deputy Mayor Alison Hunt

The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes

Jennifer Miller, Director of Planning and Economic Development

Councilmember Diane Telehany Councilmember Kate Paterson Councilmember Jeffrey M. Clark Councilmember Marshall Hyde Councilmember Frank Muccini Councilmember Betty J. Coccho Councilmember Mark ReSue

CORNING PUBLIC ART COMMITTEE Connie Sullivan-Blum, Chair Mayor William M. Boland Jr. Councilmember Marshall Hyde Steve Koob Alisa Brown Brian Whisenhunt Bridget Bossart van Otterloo

corning public art

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Rockwell Museum SUNY Corning Community College

CONSULTANT TEAM

Corning Incorporated

Joshua Lapp, Designing Local

Corning Museum of Glass

Amanda Golden, Designing Local

171 Cedar Arts

Jasmine Metcalf, Designing Local

Gaffer District

Alaina Foster, Designing Local

Other Key INDIVIDUALS Andrea Lynch Amy Ruza Elise Johnson-Schmidt Gigi Alvaré Rob Cassetti Kristen Brewer Coleen Fabrizzi

Cadine Navarro, Artist

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engagement overview 455 survey responses 45 stakeholder conversations 6 focus groups & public Events

Public input is at the heart of the Corning Public Art Strategy. In order to ensure that the strategy is built upon a solid foundation of community support the planning team engaged with community members and key stakeholders through a variety of mediums.

The process kicked off at the 2022 Harvest Festival where there was an opportunity to engage with thousands of attendees. The team asked Corning residents and visitors ‘What public art they would like to see?’ using images and graphics to spur the creative energy of participants. A survey was also launched at this time that ultimately yielded 455 responses. Additional outreach efforts included 45 one-on-one stakeholder conversations as well as additional focus groups and public events.

What emerged is a vision for how public art can enhance public space and public life in Corning.

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corning public art

section 2: engagement overview

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Where would you like to see more public art in Corning?

Parks & Natural spaces Gateways public buildings gaffer district within streetscapes bridges

64 % 60% 59% 56 % 51 %

What types of public art would you like to see in Corning? sculptural functional murals glass works lighted installations mosaics PUBLIC PERFORMANCE MULTIMEDIA TEXTILE

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75 %

71 % 68 % 64% 58% 56 % 55 % 37% 24% 23%

DO you have any Thematic Ideas for Public Art? (word cloud display shows the most frequently mentioned words)

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vision for public art

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section 1: defining a vision

vision Public art in Corning will be welcoming for all, celebrate our people, tell our story, and contribute to vibrant public spaces.

WHAT IS PUBLIC ART? The answer to this question was developed by the Corning Public Art Committee.

Public art is art that exists within the City of Corning, either outside or within buildings, that is free and accessible to all. This art can be permanent or temporary, traditional or contemporary, functional or nonfunctional, historic or symbolic and may be owned by the City of Corning or by a private entity.

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section 2: Program goals

program GOALS 1

BE A PROGRAM OF PARTNERSHIPS

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Transform public space with public art

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Stand at the forefront of integrating STEM into public art

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Connect people to nature through public art

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Promote health and physical activity with public art

Partnerships are integral to the success of the Corning Public Art program. From the structure of the program to the funding and implementation of each project partnerships are key.

Public art is key to the success of public space in Corning. Public art should enliven and transform public spaces giving them vitality and interest.

Corning has a long history of innovating at the intersection of science and art. Public art is a core opportunity for continuing to do that into the future integrating science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) into the arts.

The natural environment in Corning is an ever present source of joy and inspiration. Public art should both celebrate and connect people to nature.

Health and physical activity are highly important to the Corning community.

Public art has a unique opportunity within the cultural fields to promote health and physical activity.

key PUBLIC ART media

Several types of art are mentioned throughout this document as ideal mediums for public art in Corning.

They are described in detail in the following section.

FUNCTIONAL ART

murals

glass

light installations

There is a unique opportunity to implement designs in place of otherwise ordinary pieces of infrastructure. Integrating unique ‘Corning’ designs into infrastructure may be an affordable and efficient way to create a major visual impact.

While curating permanent works of art as part of the collection is important, ephemeral works such as murals allow for the exposure of many artists over a short period of time rather than a few artists over a long period of time.

Corning is synonymous with glass and some of the most important works of glass from ancient to the present day can be found in the Corning Museum of Glass as well as within the Corning Incorporated Collection.

Incorporating glass into the public realm is a key opportunity.

Contemporary artists use lighting in creative and interesting ways in order to manipulate the built environment with limited physical impacts. Light installations may be used on existing buildings, in parks on substantial landscape features, or as part of a larger installation of sculpture. They may be especially useful and impactful when used in infrastructure projects.

mosaics

textiles

multimedia

Mosaics come in many shapes and sizes and have a particular relevance for Corning since many mosaics include glass or ceramics. The relative flexibility of the application of mosaics responds well to many art contexts.

Textiles span the gauntlet from wall hangings to giant masterpieces that visually impact public spaces. This form of art can be used to add interest to new spaces or existing spaces within our public buildings.

Multimedia installations may combine many other art types in ways that expand the imagination. Video, lighting, sculpture, murals, and more can be combined to make multimedia installations some of the most interesting around.

Multimedia installations are especially useful for temporary or pop-up installations.

Some possible options for functional art installations include bike racks, benches, play equipment, medians, subdivision walls, trash cans, transit stops, monument signage, sidewalk treatments and more.

Whether they be functional like the bench mentioned above, internal such as inlaid in flooring, or as a stand-alone exterior element - mosaics can help to enrich the built environment.

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additional public art opportunities public performances

Dance, theater, spoken word, or another type of public performance is an ideal opportunity to be staged in public space or alongside public art in Corning. These displays have a particular relevance when staged at the unveiling of public artworks.

Art can be long-lasting, or it can be something experienced for a short period of time. Though temporary art is not intended to live for a generation, it can have a lasting impact on a community by creating a sense of surprise and joy in unexpected places. Some ideal locations for temporary installations include construction sites, sidewalks, alleyways, parks, and temporarily empty spaces and storefronts.

Pop-up & temporary

Temporary art can be done inexpensively and easily, provide opportunity for additional artist engagement, and it can be a small investment for a huge impact.

In whatever form, its short lifespan gives energy to the space and drives excitement among the community. Temporary art invites collaboration, be it with local schools or community groups, and creates opportunity for the artwork to evolve with the community over time.

Community Participatory

Participatory art is more focused on the creation of an art piece than any of the typologies listed above. Specifically, a piece is made by the community to enhance and celebrate its process and participants. Collaborative art pieces use people to enrich the experience and heighten the feeling of pride and ownership.

Site-specific art

Site-specific art is created to enhance and celebrate its surroundings in which an artist considers the site first before anything else. Site-specific art uses the surroundings to enrich the experience of the place itself. It can help to tell the story of the location, neighbors or residents, or simply exist to elevate the site.

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The corning community

what is the community character framework?

The following framework outlines a family of components that speak to the core of the identity of Corning. This framework can be used as an inspiration for future public art and creative placemaking projects. The framework is not exhaustive but seeks to give a snapshot of the history, people, stories, and future of the City of Corning.

what is CREATIVE PLACEMAKING? Creative placemaking is the collaboration between artists, arts organizations, and community development practitioners to deliberately integrate arts and culture into community revitalization work — placing arts at the table with city policies such as land use, transportation, economic development, education, housing, infrastructure, and public safety.

Creative placemaking projects help transform communities into lively, beautiful, and resilient places with the arts at their core. Creative placemaking supports local efforts to enhance quality of life and opportunity for existing residents, increases creative activity, and creates a distinct sense of place.

How to Use the Framework Artists, designers, and any others looking for inspiration for creative Corning-centric projects can mix and match these elements into their designs. However creatively the components of the Community Character Framework are interpreted, they will serve as a reflection of the City and as an inspiration for the creative process.

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an open door

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For many Corning residents the first word that comes to mind when thinking of Corning is “welcoming.” Though a small city it has a global, embracing pull.

WELCOMING THRIVING FRIENDLY COZY

SPOTLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS Corning's vitality is shaped by the multitude of small business purveyors throughout the Gaffer District and beyond.

Market Street along is home to some 250 businesses, including multiple art galleries and independent purveyors. The cultural life of Corning extends beyond the walls of its wonderful museums to the streets of the community. Visitors to Corning marvel at the breadth and depth of offers from local businesses in the community given which are outsized for a community of the size and scale of Corning.

INCLUSIVE

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HISTORIC MARKET STREET

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Corning’s Market Street is not just a thriving local destination but also a national model for historic preservation and community vibrancy.

NOSTALGIA GAFFER DISTRICT ARCHITECTURE QUAINT

SPOTLIGHT THE FLOOD OF 1972 Nothing better illustrates the devastating impact of the flood of 1972 more than observations of those who witness the events. "The railroad bridge ‘went,’ as they say, shortly after 5:00 a.m. It didn’t just collapse quietly into the river, it was literally swept downstream, producing a mass of coal cars and iron and “I” beams for hundreds of yards." (Hoyle) Amazingly though, the story of the Flood of '72 remains one of resilience. Thanks to the dedication of community members and the leadership of Corning Inc. the community and its history was preserved and rebuilt into the vibrant city it is today.

LITTLE JOE

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BIG THIS & SMALL THAT

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This direct quote from a survey respondent exemplifies the feeling of being in Corning: "With a small town feel and big city amenities Corning has the best of all worlds along with a global impact."

COMMUNITY FEEL DIVERSE KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR VIBRANT WALKABLE

SPOTLIGHT GLASS INDUSTRY The story of glass in corning began in 1868 when the Brooklyn Flint Glass Company relocated to the city and was renamed Corning Glass Works. As others in the glass industry started and grew their own facilities- such as the famous Steuben Glass- Corning became know as "Crystal City." By 1905, the town claimed 15 glasscutting shops separate from the Corning Glass Works, which together employed 2,500 glass blowers. Industry intersected with innovation in Corning in a way that has shown through to the present day.

Even after the dawning of the rust belt era throughout the country the glass industry in Corning continued to play a leading role in the City and throughout the modern world.

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ICONIC & RESILIENT

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This Corning is a community with a history that extends long before European settlement. From the past forward to today Corning is known globally and is a place of constant reinvention.

HAUDENOSAUNEE STEUBEN NIMBLE INNOVATION BUSTLING

SPOTLIGHT GAFFER DISTRICT & MARKET STREET RESTORATION AGENCY The Gaffer District’s story is one of resiliency. The origins of the organization can be traced back to 1974 when the Market Street Restoration Agency was formed as a strategic initiative to restore Market Street after the flood of 1972. By the 1980s, other local agencies joined together to continue to revitalize the downtown and create what the Gaffer District is today. Thirty years later the organization continues to enhance the overall economic vitality, community character, and physical sustainability of Corning’s Downtown via the collaboration of public and private stakeholders.

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NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

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From natural beauty of the surrounding hills to the place where land and water meet Corning is enveloped by natural beauty.

CHEMUNG RIVER FINGER LAKES SOUTHERN TIER ROLLING HILLS AUTUMN LEAVES

SPOTLIGHT FLORA & FAUNA Corning is blessed with a beautiful natural environment that is a result of its location along the Chemung River.

The valley formed by the river is visible in the distance with its steep slate cliffs that are relics of the last ice age. The river meanders through Corning and connects the community to prehistoric times.

“Chemung” is thought to be an Iroquois word meaning "big horn" or " horn in the water," and named for mastodon tusk found along the bank. Today the river teams with walleye, bass, pike and tiger Muskie while the surround countryside shelters bear, beavers, mink, fox, whitetailed deer and more.

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arts & culture assets in corning 28

171 Cedar Arts

Founded in 1968, 171 Cedar Arts Center, an Associate Institutional Member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, is a not-for-profit multiarts community center that presents performances in dance and music, and exhibitions of fine art and crafts, and offers educational programs in visual arts, music, dance, ceramic arts and drama. The Center is committed to providing quality, professional experiences in the arts in a warm and welcoming environment.

CORNING MUSEUM OF GLASS Established in 1951 by Corning Glass Works (now Corning Incorporated) as a gift to the nation for the company’s 100th anniversary, The Corning Museum of Glass is a not-for-profit museum dedicated to exploring a single material: glass.

Annually welcoming just under half a million visitors from around the world, the Museum's campus is home to the world’s most comprehensive collection of glass, the world’s foremost library on glass, and one of the top glassworking schools in the world.

Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes is a multi-county regional organization that empowers artists and encourages arts advocacy, fosters creativity and economic vitality, creates diverse connections and collaborations, and champions innovation and equity within the arts to cultivate a dynamic community. Programs and services are made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, local foundations, county governments, members and patrons.

GAFFER DISTRICT The Gaffer District is a business improvement district with a mission to enhance the overall economic vitality, community character, and physical sustainability of Corning’s Downtown via the collaboration of public and private stakeholders. Over the years, the Gaffer District has expanded its services which now includes special events, marketing, design services, and expanded maintenance.

ALLEY ART PROJECT

CORNING INCORPORATED

The Alley Art Project is a unique educational program designed to connect local high school students to both The Rockwell’s collection and their community at large. For over a decade, Rockwell Museum educators have been partnering with the High School Learning Center of the Corning-Painted Post Area School District to create stunning student-designed and painted murals that use The Rockwell’s collection of art and objects as inspiration. Students work under the direction of Rockwell Museum Education staff and guest artists, in the creation and painting of each mural.

The history of Corning Incorporated is intertwined with its namesake hometown.

The company has been a longtime supporter of the arts in the community while continuing to be a global leader in the materials that made the Corning and Steuben names famous around the world.

MARKET STREET RESTORATION AGENCY

ROCKWELL MUSEUM

The Market Street Restoration Agency, now under the Gaffer District’s fold, was officially formed in 1974 as a way to advocate for preservation following the flood of 1972. Its goal was and remains to improve Corning's appearance and stabilize the downtown commercial area.

It was so successful in this mission that the Corning example, along with several other National Trust projects with other cities, led to a national Main Street program, aimed at economic revitalization and preservation of existing buildings.

The Rockwell Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate museum of American art housed in Corning’s Old City Hall. The Rockwell is a unique community center where people enjoy, connect, and reflect on the essence of the American spirit, character and values through the eyes of American artists. The museum has a mission to use its collection to stimulate and engage our visitors, both within the Museum and within the greater Corning community.

CORNING INCORPORATED FOUNDATION Through its focus on education, human services, culture, and volunteerism the Corning Incorporated Foundation collaborates with eligible non-profit organizations to foster and sustain these vibrant communities. A key focus of the foundation is to sustain and foster creativity in the arts as well as recognize the ideas and experiences that connect people and bring together the community.

SUNY CORNING COMMUNITY COLLEGE This two-year college serves three counties: Steuben, Chemung, and Schuyler. It is one of the community colleges in the SUNY system. Arts & Human Behavior is one of the core career paths offered at the College and a number of classes and programs are offered in theater, fine arts, and other arts and culture related subjects.

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establishing the public art program

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step one creating a program structure It is recommended that the City of Corning will initiate a collaborative program in conjunction with outside partners in the non-profit arts community to create the Corning Public Art Program. The recommended governance structure of public art in Corning is modeled after projects such as the Gaffer District for downtown development and the Corning Housing Partnership for housing as well as other public art programs outside the community.

Action Item 1: Pass a City of Corning Public Art Ordinance •

City Council should pass a Public Art Ordinance

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The ordinance will formalize the definition for public art that was developed by the Public Art Committee

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The ordinance will create a system to regulate the placement of public art on City property.

Action Item 2: Create a Public-Private Partnership to Lead Public Art Implementation

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A non-profit organization will be established for the express purposes of implementing a public art program for the City of Corning and its partners.

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The existing Public Art Committee will be replaced by a similarly composed non-profit board that will take on both a leadership role for public art in the City as well as an advisory role to the City for the placement of public art on city property and with city funds.

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The new board should be composed of public officials, private sector interests and residents with an interest in the arts to act as a governance body for the program.

step two operationalizing the program In order to ensure success for the Corning Public Art Program, it is recommended that the City contribute toward the administrative costs of a public-private partnership that utilizes a non-profit entity at the vehicle for executing public art in Corning. This is an ideal City commitment given that other funders are more likely to cover the cost of projects rather than administration. Staffing of the new non-profit is recommended to be done through a contract with an outside party.

The following should be undertaken by the party contracted to execute the public art program: •

All projects executed as part of the Partnership must follow the policies adopted as part of the Corning Public Art Program (detailed in Step 3) and non-partnership City only projects must follow the Ordinance

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The contracted party should develop and submit for review and approval by the non-profit board that governs the program a Yearly Work Plan that is outlined in the policies detailed in Step 3 as well as a yearly report on all public art activities undertaken

Action Item 3: Contract with Rockwell Museum •

As part of the planning process, extensive conversations on administration of the public art program were undertaken. As a result of those conversations its was determined that the Rockwell Museum would be the appropriate organization to administer the program due to their expertise and community focus.

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Following the establishment of the Corning Public Art 501c3 non-profit, the new entity should contract with the Rockwell Museum to execute the Corning Public Art Program.

Action Item 4: Establish the Public Art Fund •

The new Corning Public Art non-profit should create a Public Art Fund that can be the conduit for project funding from partners, outside grant funders as well as direct, project specific fundraising.

Action Item 5: Coordinate Closely with Partners Although this plan aims to establish a formal public art program in Corning, we also want to encourage collaborative partnerships between the major arts organizations and community partners to execute the Corning Public Art Program.

The Rockwell Museum will lead this collaboration with assistance from City of Corning Staff. A commitment between the Corning Public Art Program partnership and community partners should be established. Possible partners include: •

171 Cedar Arts

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Gaffer District

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The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes

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Market Street Restoration Agency

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Corning Incorporated

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Rockwell Museum

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Corning Incorporated Foundation

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SUNY Corning Community College

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Corning Museum of Glass

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Local Artists

Partners will be asked to follow the Program Policies adopted by Corning Public Art Program and all public art will be marketed as part of the Corning Public Art Program.

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step three adopting program policies In order to create an efficient, transparent, and successful Public Art Program, the policies outlined below have been developed for the Public Art Program.

Action Item 6: Adopt Public Art Policies These policies should be adopted by the Corning Public Art non-profit and should be used as the basis for decision making for the program as well as for the execution of public art by partners.

DEFINITION OF PUBLIC ART Art or Artwork when used by the Public Art Program shall mean an original physical work of public art created or produced by an Artist. Artwork may be free-standing or integrated with the work of other design professionals into a building or site. Artwork may be new or may be an existing work of art. Artwork may include, but is not limited to:

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Sculpture: Free-standing, wall supported or suspended; kinetic, electronic; in any material or combination of materials.

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Murals or portable paintings: in any material or variety of materials.

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Fiber works, neon, glass, mosaics, photographs, prints, calligraphy, earthworks, any combination of forms of media, including light, sound, literary elements, film, holographic images, and video systems; hybrids of any media and new genres.

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Furnishings or fixtures, including, but not limited to gates, railings, lighting, signage, seating, if created by artists as unique elements or limited editions.

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Artistic or aesthetic elements of the overall architecture or landscape design if created by a professional artist or a design team that includes a professional visual artist. Such design elements may include pools, paths, benches, planters, and fixtures and vegetative materials where designed by a professional visual artist and/or are an integral part of the artwork by the artist.

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Temporary artwork or installation as defined above that serves the purpose of providing community and educational outreach.

WORK PLAN This policy creates a requirement for a yearly Work Plan for the Public Art Program that would be developed by the Partnership and defines how the work plan will build consensus on what the program can accomplish each year.

USE OF FUNDS This policy details how Public Art Program funds may be used throughout the development and implementation of public art projects.

ACQUISITION POLICY This policy establishes the practices for acquiring artworks through the Public Art Fund. This detailed policy will ensure a transparent process for acquiring artwork and favors open ended selection processes in order to promote artistic excellence and further the goals and strategies of the program.

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT POLICY This policy establishes the management practices of artworks acquired through the solicitation and donation processes. These pieces are considered part of the Corning Public Art’s Permanent Collection and must be cared for in accordance with the Maintenance Policy. The Collection Management Policy is intended to maintain the value of the Permanent Collection and guard against inappropriate disposal of any of its pieces. This policy also covers the disposition of works in the future through a deaccession process.

DONATION PROCEDURES This policy creates procedures for individuals or organizations who request to donate artwork to the Corning Public Art Program. These donations may be considered on a case-by-case basis and requests for consideration shall be made to the Public Art Committee.

MAINTENANCE POLICY This policy establishes the procedure for maintenance of the future public art collection as well as for pieces currently in the collection. Direction for surveying the collection, working with future artists to establish a maintenance plan for any commissioned work, and inspection guidelines are included.

MURAL GUIDELINES These guidelines explain the various ways murals may be implemented in Corning and who will be responsible for approval (or if approvals are needed) depending on the ownership of the site and the funding for implementation of the mural.

SUNSET PROVISION This policy deals with the disposition of public art should the organization ever disband.

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step four funding the program Public art in Corning will be funded primarily on a project by project basis through the support and collaboration with outside partners.

funding opportunities •

City of Corning Funding •

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•

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State Grant Opportunities: •

New York State Council on the Arts

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Humanities New York

Federal Grant Opportunities: •

Appalachian Regional Commission

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National Endowment for the Arts

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National Endowment for the Humanities

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Our Town

Local Foundations & Partners •

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The City of Corning should commit to yearly administrative funding for the Corning Public Art non-profit.

The majority of projects are likely to be funded by local foundations and partners. Key local partners include: •

Corning Foundation

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Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes

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implementing the program

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key program strategies 1 address existing public art 2 Transform public space 3 Ensure Longevity for the Alley Art Project 4 FOSTER Brand & Identity 5 Implementation using the Public Art Policy 40

strategy one Address Existing Public Art The Public Art Committee in partnership with The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes partnered to develop the existing Corning Public Art Map. As part of the initial implementation of the Public Art Program existing public art should be addressed and inventoried.

Action Item 7: Create A Public Art Database The work done so far to map existing public art should be built upon a public art database. The public art database should include all relevant information available for each artwork and can be used in the future to ensure maintenance needs are understood and tracked. This database should include all artwork that will fall under the responsibility of the Corning Public Art Program.

Action Item 8: Collection Assessment A collection assessment should be performed to understand the maintenance needs of the existing collection. This assessment could be done in partnership with a local museum or through an outside consultant.

Database information: Name of Piece Artist Year Location Ownership Maintenance Needs

Action Item 9: Develop & Execute Maintenance Program The collection assessment will specify what the existing and ongoing maintenance needs are for the public art collection.

Once the maintenance needs are understood, funding should be solicited for the conservation of all existing work.

Though the initial maintenance may take extensive time and resources, this will be a one-time surge in maintenance execution because In the future a maintenance plan will be developed as each artwork is implemented and funds will be set aside for long term maintenance as each project is executed.

strategy two transform public space

One key discovery as part of the engagement process is that the built environment of Corning does not reflect the importance of arts in the community. As a primary goal of the public art program and perhaps the most important opportunity as well, transforming public space should be at the top of mind as the Corning Public Art Program is implemented.

Long term, the Corning Public Art Program should seek to ensure that a piece of public art is located in each City Park and Public Space as well as to work with partners to ensure public art is in each non-city owned greenspaces and public space.

Action Item 10: Develop a Public Art in Public Space Priority List A list should be developed to help prioritize where to implement public art in the initial stages of the public art program.

CITY PARKS • Achsinnesink Memorial Park • Canfield Park • Denison Park • Hillvue Park • Houghton Park • McKinney Park • Stewart Park

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Walker Park William Street Park

CITY OWNED PUBLIC SPACE • Corning Civic Center • Centerway Square • Centerway Bridge

NON-CITY OWNED GREENSPACE • Centennial Park • Buechner Park • Fallbrook Park

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strategy three Ensure Longevity for the Alley Art Project The Alley Art Program has been one of the most prolific and impactful public art programs in Corning. For over a decade, Rockwell Museum educators have been partnering with the High School Learning Center of the CorningPainted Post Area School District on the Alley Art Project. The program’s key outward facing feature are the studentdesigned and painted murals that use The Rockwell’s collection of art and objects as inspiration. Students work under the direction of Rockwell Museum Education staff and guest artists, in the creation and painting of each mural.

Action Item 11: Document Existing Murals with High Quality Photography A photographer should be solicited to capture high quality images of all the existing Alley Art Project murals. These images should be of documentation quality with the ability to be reproduced in multiple formats.

Action Item 12: Undertake Assessment of Existing Murals The existing murals should be assessed as part of the larger Corning Public Art Assessment to understand what the maintenance needs are for existing murals.

Action Item 13: Develop Priority List for Maintenance or Replacement Using the collection assessment, a list should be developed to help identify what murals are in a good state of repair, which murals could be brought to a good state of repair, and ultimately when existing murals should be replaced.

Given the ephemeral nature of murals it is expected that some of the existing murals will eventually be replaced by new Alley Art Project murals in the existing locations.

Action Item 14: Develop Memorialization Opportunities Opportunities to memorialize the existing murals should be explored using the high quality photography taken in Action Item 11. This could be a permanent display in a public location or at the Rockwell. It could also take the form of smaller items such as postcards or coloring books. Memorialization is an important way to keep the spirit of the program alive and to keep former students connected and engaged with the community.

Action Item 15: Develop Ongoing Strategy for Mural Placement The Alley Art Project team should internally develop a strategy for ongoing mural placement. A strategy that rotates yearly between Market Street and other locations throughout the community is ideal. Murals identified for replacement in Action Item 13 should be included in the mural placement strategy, with those that are in need of replacement being prioritized for new artwork.

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strategy four FOSTER Brand & Identity The Corning Public Art program will be unique in that it is strength in its partnerships, allowing for a brand and identity that reaches beyond a municipal program.

Action Item 16: Create A Brand Identify for the Corning Public Art Program A strong brand identity should be created for the Public Art Program including an organization name for the nonprofit along with a logo, graphics, and other brand identity components that allow for easy marketing opportunities.

Action Item 17: Work with Partners to Market the Program Once the Public Art Program is fully established it should be marketed in collaboration with the Gaffer District, Finger Lakes Wine Country and other local marketing and tourism partners.

strategy five Implementation using the Public Art Policy The program policies for the Corning Public Art Program are detailed in Action Item 6. As any project is developed and implemented as part of the Corning Public Art Program, the policies should be followed.

Action Item 18: Create A Yearly Public Art Work Plan A key component of the Public Art Policy is the development of a yearly Work Plan. In developing the work plan in consultation with the Corning Public Art non-profit board, projects will be proposed, presented, and discussed. This will be the key opportunity to prioritize which projects should be implemented in a given year and will allow for flexibility as new ideas and opportunities arise.

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murals & historic Preservation

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PRESERVATION IS THE lifeblood of corning The Corning of 2023 would not exist without 50 years of blood, sweat, and toil from dedicated community members who made a commitment to preserving the community's historic resources following the devastating flood of 1972. The legacy of these passionate preservationists is alive and well today showcased by the vibrancy that exists along Market Street even through a global pandemic.

Historic preservation is a key to ensuring a vibrant culture in Corning. Alongside preservation, public art is also a key component of enlivening the cultural landscape in Corning and much care and attention should be paid to how murals in particular interface with historic buildings within the City of Corning.

Action Item 19: STUDY POTENTIAL MURAL REGULATIONS and/or design review One option to address the way murals interface with historic buildings throughout Corning would be to develop specific regulations and regulatory processes for the implementation of murals within the community. Currently only murals proposed for building designated as historic landmarks by the City are subject to review and approval however this could be revisited as part of a mural review process or larger design review process for the City.

Action Item 20: FOLLOW BEST PRACTICES FOR MURALS In lieu of the development of specific regulations for murals, projects undertaken by Corning Public Art and its partners should follow the best practices laid out on the following page for murals on historic buildings. We also advise outside community members who are implementing murals to follow the best practices as well.

BEST PRACTICES Murals + HISTORIC BUILDINGS 1

EXISTING UNPAINTED HISTORIC MASONRY SHOULD REMAIN UNPAINTED

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MURALS SHOULD ONLY BE PAINTED ON AREAS THAT HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN PAINTED

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A PLAN for MAINTENANCE SHOULD BE CREATED PRIOR TO a mural being painted MURALS TYPICALLY LAST 5 years or less and should be planned for accordingly

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regular replacement of existing murals is encouraged to add ongoing interest

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Big ideas to inspire

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idea one

Civic Center The Civic Center has been identified by the Parks Strategy as well as in this process as a key opportunity for positive transformation. As a result of this process the City has been awarded an Appalachian Regional Commission grant to plan for the transformation of this space.

Key Opportunities Include: • Projection Mapping within the Civic Center space and on City Hall exterior • Site Improvements within the Civic Center to make it a more conducive space • Permanent LED Lighting • Improvements to Ice Rink to allow for summer use as performance venue

idea two Bridge Street Lighting controlled from Pedestrian Bridge The Bridge Street Bridge is an important landmark in the community that presents a unique opportunity for impacting the landscape of Corning.

Key Opportunities Include • Programmable LED lights on bridge could enhance the visual interest of the bridge a create a large impact for all of Corning to see • If possible, an interactive element on pedestrian bridge that allows individuals to control or influence lighting would create a true interactive landmark in the community • Additional programming could be done by artists as well.

*It is likely that within the next 20 years a rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge may be necessary and any execution of the project to take that into account.

idea three Statues for Equality Statues for Equality is a global movement founded by renowned artists. This movement aims to create equality in statues and to celebrate the achievements of amazing women as less than 5% of the USA's statues are female.

Key Opportunities Include: • This could be done independently by the Corning Public Art Program or in conjunction with the Statues for Equality program • A woman important to Corning with a unique story should be identified

idea four Corning Art Trail The Corning Art Trail would be a great feature for everyday users as well as a key marketing tool for visitors. The Art Trail would build upon existing trail segments as well as add new trail corridors. The community should explore using the Art Trail to complement the themed trails in the Parks Strategy.

Key Opportunities Include: • Core of trail to include Market Street, Pedestrian Bridge, Trail on Levee, and Bridge Street • Could be expanded beyond • Would include pursuing funding for physical trail improvements as well as public art elements along trail locations • Also to include marketing elements to promote trail experience

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idea five

Artist in Residence The artist in residence program would be based on a past Corning Incorporated program and would connect public artists with Corning scientists and engineers.

Key Opportunity: •

transformation of the north landing The North Landing of the Centerway Pedestrian Bridge is a key public space that connects Market Street and the Corning Museum of Glass. Though well maintained, this space is unremarkable and does not live up to its potential as the lynchpin between two of the most important assets in Corning.

Key Opportunities Include: • Refresh the physical and landscape connection into a premiere public space • Utilize iconic public art to create a better sense of place • Create programming or engagement opportunities such as food trucks, outdoor seating, play areas and more.

Key Elements: • People-friendly space • World class public space to match CMOG and Market Street • Iconic Public Art Elements

The artist would be responsible for creating an installation on public space that incorporates STEM elements

idea six A A

A B B A

C D C

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Note: This area should have all necessary environmental reviews undertaken to ensure there is no contamination or so that contamination can be remediated.

idea seven market walk The connection between Market Street and the Corning Civic Center is a key opportunity for transformation. This space was initially built in the 1970s and is in need of a refresh that could include public art. The Radisson/ DoubleTree is currently undergoing renovations and would be a key partner.

• Key Opportunities Include: • Collaboration with Radisson/ DoubleTree • Transform this space using LED lighting and public art • Enhance connection to Civic Center

idea eight city gateways Entry points to Corning signal to visitors that they have arrived in the community and to residents that they have arrived home.

Key Opportunities Include: I-86/Center Way • Mural • Large Scale Sculpture Denison Parkway & Bridge Street • Sculpture I-86 underpass from Painted Post • Mural Denison Parkway West • Sculpture

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idea nine

South Bridge Street Projects The space between Market Street and Riverside Drive is a relative dead-zone for pedestrians.

Undertaking pedestrian oriented streetscape improvements along with public art could transform this into a walkable connected space.

Key Opportunities Include: • Shared Use Path • Public Art Features • Safe paths for pedestrians and cyclists • Connects to overall trail network

idea ten river art trail The Chemung River is both a source of past trauma and present beauty in Corning. The river is also a key underutilized asset for the community. Though changes to the river corridor would be difficult to navigate due to the bureaucratic complexities, the rewards would be even bigger than the difficulties.

Key Opportunities Include: • All natural installations along the river meant to slowly degrade • Floodable Sculpture • Kayak launches