Bill > H3246

This bill establishes a program for local art and community engagement in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. It creates a "Program for Local Art and Community Engagement Fund" (PLACE Fund) to provide funding for the selection, design, creation, acquisition, installation, maintenance, and conservation of public art in Commonwealth-owned, managed, or occupied buildings. The Fund will receive a percentage of funds from construction and renovation projects, as well as donations. 2. It establishes a "Program for Local Art and Community Engagement Commission" (PLACE Commission) to administer the PLACE Fund. The Commission will have 13 members representing various stakeholders, including artists, community organizations, and state agencies. 3. The PLACE Commission will manage the PLACE Fund, including establishing a process for capital projects to apply for funding, creating criteria to determine the level of funding, and making curatorial decisions on public art projects. 4. The bill allows the PLACE Commission to enter into grant agreements with individual artists for public art projects, following a public process. 5. The Commonwealth will have sole ownership of artworks acquired through the PLACE Fund, while the artists will retain the copyright. 6. The PLACE Commission is required to provide an annual report on the implementation of the PLACE Fund and awarded funds.