OUR MISSION:
To spark a creative synergy aiding the renaissance of downtown Janesville through public art which enhances cultural values, celebrates local history, instills civic pride, encourages placemaking, promotes contemplation, & connects community. Art in Place Alliance is a subcommittee of ARISENow which is a private-public partnership formed in 2016 that strengthens the implementation of
the City’s ARISE (Rock Renaissance Area Redevelopment and Implementation Strategy) plan. The ARISE plan was accepted by the City Council on February 23, 2015 as the blue print for downtown redevelopment and was a key step in what has been a multi-year commitment to downtown Janesville. ARISENow formed its first Art Committee in 2016 with the prime purpose of: Enhance the appearance of Downtown Janesville through the integration of art in the public environment. In October 2020, Sue Burkart and Mary Rekowski assumed the co-chairperson roles along with the tasks to name the committee, create a formal mission statement, and develop a master art plan. Guiding Principles for the Alliance:
Enhance cultural values by being mindful of our city’s past, heritage, and customs, but also embrace, nurture, and promote diversity. We create a sense of place through shared space. Art in Place should increase citizen awareness of the role of public art in the community, developing projects that bring people together for community events which incorporate art that is both temporary and permanent. Celebrate local history by helping preserve the historical character and authenticity of the downtown. Support and encourage the development of projects that pay tribute to our rich historical identity such as the Rock River Valley, agriculture, industry, and retail. Instill civic pride by helping create collaborative plans that are inclusive of public engagement and participation. Provide public awareness of upcoming art and solicit their feedback. Encourage community participation, and creation of public art with local artists, arts educators, architects, engineers, and other design professionals. Encourage placemaking by strengthening the connection between people and the places they share. Good placemaking creates destinations which give an identity and brand a community. Promote Contemplation through developing art in place that allows opportunities for reflection and mindfulness. The Rock River flowing through the middle of downtown Janesville should be used by the Alliance to capitalize on the multiple senses and energies the river evokes, including but not limited to: sounds, sight, smell, wind, nature, recreation, walkability/accessibility for all, and relaxation. At the same time, Art in Place projects should support stewardship of the downtown’s natural surroundings and encourage education about the environment. Connect Community by creating art projects collaborated with ARISENow partners that spark a *synergy within the four major adjacent downtown Janesville neighborhoods (Prospect Hill, Courthouse Hill, Fourth Ward, Look West). Attention should also be paid to the six catalyst sites listed in the ARISE plan as they are adjacent to these neighborhoods.
