“Changing Cities/Changing River” Panel Discussion, Tuesday, March 7, 2006

Changing Cities/Changing River
Panel Discussion: The role of artists and government in improving the quality of life in urban areas through the arts.

Tuesday March 7, 7:00pm
Villard Room, College Center, Vassar College

Program:
Introduction and welcome by Peter Leonard.
Each panelist will introduce himself or herself.
Moderator: Jessica Jacobson, Vassar College Student Class of 2006

Featured Panelists:

Nancy Cozean, Mayor, City of Poughkeepsie
Barbara Segal, Yonkers Artist
Franc Palaia, Poughkeepsie Artist, BAC, CAP
Ray Curran, Scenic Hudson
Stephen Aronson, Architect & Property Owner
Peter Leonard, Vassar College Field Work Office
Jeep Johnson, Director and Co-Founder of Clayworks

Hudson river cities are experiencing a cultural renaissance with communities bringing art to public spaces as illustrated in the current Palmer Gallery exhibition, Barbara Segal's Muhheakantuck: Changing Cities, Changing River which explores the role of public art in the redevelopment process in Yonkers and Poughkeepsie. This exhibit features a model of Muhheakantuck commissioned by the MTA/Arts for Transit, a Yonkers timeline by Barbara Segal, a Poughkeepsie timeline by Franc Palaia and video documentary by Jessica Jacobson. The Palmer Gallery will be open for viewing prior to the panel discussion. Reception immediately following panel discussion in the Palmer Gallery

Sample Questions:

• Where does the money come from to pay for public art?
• Should there be a percent for art made mandatory?
• What makes for a successful revitalization of a downtown waterfront city?
• What benefit does Public Art have for the community?
• At what phase of redevelopment should the art be planned?
• What's better - permanent or temporary art installations?
• How can developers help to make sure that art be included in the redevelopment process?
• Why did Yonkers include Public Art? How did that happen?
• What's the difference between a monument and a site-specific sculpture?
• Who should decide what type of art gets chosen?
• What does Poughkeepsie need in order to become a vibrant city once more?
• What programs can Vassar implement in order to help Poughkeepsie become a more vital waterfront city?
• What is the role of the artist in society today?
• Should government be directly involved in supporting the arts on a local scale?
• How can we improve the quality of life in urban America?

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.

Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.

This article was posted on Tuesday, March 7th, 2006.