Background

The Germantown public art program is a City division that supports the work of the Public Art Commission. Under the guidance of Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo and the Board of Mayor Aldermen, the Public Art Commission was formed in 2018 to enhance the city’s environment and public spaces by strategically placing public art throughout the community. 

The Public Art Commission consists of nine members plus a non-voting alderman liaison who is appointed by the Mayor.  One member is appointed by the Design Review Commission, the Beautification Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission. The remaining six members are citizens appointed by the Mayor that have a passion for the arts and are local artists, educators, arts administrators, development professionals, architects and/or engineers. 

To find out more information about when the commission meets and to view minutes and agendas from previous meetings please visit:  https://www.germantown-tn.gov/commissions

Current Commission members

— Chairman Amanda Littlejohn

— Vice Chair JD Graffam

— Linda Reyle

— Bo Adams

— Cara Sievers

— Brian Everson

— Albert Pope (Beautification Commission Member)

— Christopher Schmidt (Design Review Commission Member)

— Kevin Young (Parks & Recreation Commission Member) 

— Alderman Mary Anne Gibson

Vision 

The Germantown Public Art Program is dedicated to celebrating the people, history and spirit of Germantown through its investment in high-quality public artwork to create remarkable spaces. 

Mission 

The City of Germantown is committed to offering and developing an array of public art experiences in a variety of mediums and scales.

The Public Art Program commits to:

• Increasing access to participation for artists and audiences 

• Striving to include community participation and partnerships in program development

• Expanding the reach and role of public art with the understanding that art builds community, generates community pride and promotes a livable city 

• Enhance community character and solidify attachment to Place

• Pursue Excellence in public art

• Contribute to community vitality

• Value artists and artistic processes

• Use resources wisely

Samples of Public Art in other communities

The following value statements speak the core mission and identity of the city of Germantown and will be used to evaluate commissioned artworks: 

Identify and shape Germantown’s identity: Public art will create dynamic experiences for residents and visitors and become synonymous with Germantown’s unique brand by elevating the profile of the City.

Support our interconnected community: Public art will create exceptional and transformational public spaces that engage, inspire, stimulate community conversation and establish common ground for the City.

Complement our active lifestyle: Public art will support the citizens of Germantown in their active lifestyles through the integration of art along trails, greenways and in our beloved parks.

Reinforce community stewardship: Public art will inspire future generations of residents to develop meaningful connections with their community and their environment.

Empower artists to be innovators for our community: Public art will empower artists to create work that is the highest expression of creativity, maintaining the forward-thinking nature of Germantown.

Celebrate community history and stories: Public art will embody Germantown's community spirit and aspirations by honoring the City’s past and envisioning its future.

Create opportunities to share the diversity of Germantown: Public art will speak to the many people who come together to create the fabric of Germantown.

Generate meaningful experiences through a variety of media: Public art will be adventurous while reflecting the smalltown charm of the community that captivates the region.