Imagine being an artist living in Key West or the Florida Keys, pouring your heart and soul into developing an intricate concept for a public art project, only to find out that you're expected to produce thorough design plans, sketches, and financials without any guarantee of compensation. Artists in this community are facing an unfair public-art process that requires them to invest significant time and effort into creating project-specific concepts before even being considered for a selection. This practice not only takes advantage of their creative talents but also discourages seasoned professionals who might otherwise contribute remarkable work.

This biased system results in a process that becomes both exhaustive and discouraging. Many experienced artists are forced to step away, unable to afford working for free or unwilling to participate in a process that undervalues their time and investment. Consequently, this weakened applicant pool inevitably leads to fewer opportunities for high-quality public art that can enrich our community.

We must adopt a fairer system that respects the contributions of all artists. We urge local arts committees and decision-makers to evaluate public art applicants through their portfolios, qualifications, and past completed projects before any demand for new, original designs. Shortlisted artists should receive fair compensation for their concept development efforts, ensuring they no longer face financial burdens as they contribute to our cultural landscape. Importantly, artists who are not selected for projects must retain ownership of their designs and creative work, giving them the ability to reuse or adapt these concepts for future opportunities.

This change will foster a healthier, more vibrant art community where all artists, regardless of their experience or financial situation, feel valued and empowered to participate. By implementing transparent scoring, providing equal information, ensuring conflict-of-interest protections, and issuing written contracts before detailed design work begins, we can transform the public art process into an inclusive and equitable opportunity for artists and the community they serve.

Sign this petition to join us in demanding a just and supportive public art system for artists in Key West and the Florida Keys. Your voice matters in shaping a fair and enriching cultural future.