Duluth to Form New Art Organization

The Duluth City Council has given the go-ahead to Mayor Nancy Harris to proceed with establishing a Duluth Public Art Commission (DPAC). Its first task after being formed will be to establish a procedure, develop guidelines, and commission a piece of public art to be created with funds being donated by AGCO, a global manufacturer of agricultural equipment. The corporate headquarters for the Fortune 500 company is located in Duluth.

Harris broached forming a DPAC to the council at its Jan. 23 work session, and the council informally agreed with her idea. Councilman Billy Jones cautioned that the new commission needs to interact with elected officials like the city’s other advisory boards. New City Manager Tim Shearer will be working with the mayor to set up the new organization.

“The responsibility of DPAC would be to commission art for the creation of permanent and temporary public art projects that transform public space, stimulate intellectual discourse, and celebrate cultural diversity,” according to the work session agenda.

In her State of the City Address the next day (Jan. 24), Harris announced that thanks to AGCO another piece of public art will be installed in the city in about 18 months. During 2011, the city dedicated a Living Honorarium and an Eastern Continental Divide marker, both on the Town Green. The honorarium was funded by private donations. The ECD marker was paid for by the Duluth Fall Festival Committee.

The mayor said later that Martin Richenhagen, AGCO’s 
chairman of the board, president and CEO, invited her to his office a few months ago.

“He explained that AGCO values its partnership with the City of Duluth, and the company would like to do more for Duluth,” Harris said. “So, after a conversation, he committed to giving Duluth funds for another piece of public art.” 

AGCO’s contribution was made to the existing Duluth Fine Arts League, which will be giving the funds to the city, Harris said. DPAC will be separate from DFAL, which raises funds for art scholarships, she said.

DPAC will also develop a long-term plan for public art in Duluth, Harris said.

AGCO, which is headquartered on River Green Parkway, manufactures tractors, combines, sprayers, implements, and hay tools.