Public art often means working in complex bureaucracies and can lead to misunderstandings and a sense that transparency is lacking in the civic art field. This session seeks to address this dynamic by inviting artists to learn about the processes, policies, and structures that inform the civic art process within government agencies. From project development and management to oversight, and multi-agency coordination the session will explore these requirements from the LA County Civic Art and other agencies’ perspectives. Artists will receive guidance and insights on working with public agencies, as well as tips on how to navigate the civic art landscape.
Pat Gomez is a Senior Program Manager at Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture’s Civic Art Division where she oversees the Public Art in Private Development (PAPD) Program and other capital projects, including co-managing the PAiD program. As a former Creative Services Manager for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), Pat oversaw the identification and placement of public art at rail and bus stations. Among other projects, she oversaw the artist and artwork identification for the newly opened K-Line stations. Previously, she was the Arts Manager for the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (Public Art Division) responsible for the Arts Development Fee (Private Percent for Art), City Art Collection, and Murals Programs. During her 11-year tenure she oversaw extensive mural restorations, was the Cultural Affairs representative on the interdepartmental team establishing a new murals ordinance, and oversaw a $20M art collection and multimillion dollar private development art ordinance. As a private consultant, Pat was a lead contributor for the City of Brea Cultural Arts Master Plan, City of Costa Mesa Art in Public Places Program and Policy Recommendations, City of Irvine Public Art Program and Policy Recommendations, City of Moorpark Arts Master Plan, City of Temecula Arts Component of its Community Services Master Plan, and the Placentia Gateway Public Art Project planning. She developed and authored the Public Art Policy for Contra Costa County, which has been recently adopted by the Board of Supervisors. She has an ongoing role as the public art consultant to Santa Barbara County.
Emily Womack is a leading executive in art consulting and an expert in public art management and policy. Emily is dedicated to developing methodologies that increase equity and access in public art. Emily co-founded Dyson & Womack, a Los Angeles-based public art consulting, fabrication, and design firm that manages and advises on public and private contemporary artworks and programs. Emily is a motivational leader whose progressive approach to artist engagement and civic dialogue has shaped significant projects for the firm, including the City of Los Angeles’ public art triennial, CURRENT:LA, and the California Air Resources Board Public Art Program, and the Public Artist in Development (PAiD) program, a joint venture with LA County Arts & Culture and the Mellon Foundation that seeks to promote the career growth and economic empowerment of underrepresented artists.