FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2018
Contact: Mae Skidmore, mskidmore@annarborartcenter.org
Ann Arbor, MI [2/14/2018] – The Ann Arbor Art Center has launched the public voting for three winners of the manhole cover art project. The public will be able to view six semi-finalists, vote for one, and determine the final three winners. They will receive a $1000 stipend each from the City of Ann Arbor. Each of the three winning designs will be produced for approximately two years on new cast iron manhole covers installed throughout the City.
Contracted by the City of Ann Arbor to develop and manage an artwork selection process that includes a high level of public engagement, the Art Center guided a call that was open to artists of all ages, throughout the world. More than 240 submissions were juried by an Advisory Committee comprised of local professional artists, arts educators and business and community leaders. Submitted designs were assessed on a wide range
of criteria including aesthetics, feasibility of design to be produced in cast iron, and fidelity to the community values and attributes of Ann Arbor. Six semi-finalists were chosen and they will be presented to the public for voting.
“The interest in this project has been amazing” says Marie Klopf, Ann Arbor Art Center President and CEO. “We received an overwhelming amount of submissions from the Ann Arbor area, but also from as far away as Germany. The public is highly engaged because is it really unique, fun and everyone can get involved. It will be a great legacy for the winners as the manhole covers can last 80 years.”
The public can vote for their favorite at www.annarborartcenter.org/vote. There they will be prompted by a “vote” button and will be taken to a form which will show the six semi-finalists. Also, there will be a ballot box at the Ann Arbor Art Center for in-person voting. It is one vote per person, but any one can vote. The voting period is February 14 through February 25, 2018.