CEO Marty Brooks agrees to compromise to save installation.
CEO Marty Brooks agrees to compromise to save installation. Back to the full article.
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Great news that a workable compromise to maintain the integrity of the work has been reached. I look forward to seeing it, sometime!
That said, how many rank-and-file Milwaukeans—let alone those of who have a bit more than passing interest in downtown and the city—even knew that this work existed. Seems to me the biggest piece of local public art Milwaukee never talks about, let alone promotes or publicizes.
Maybe that will change…
Many more people than you even realize are aware of these artworks and their importance and impact–regardless if you visit the convention center regularly or not. I am pleased a resolution was found. I hope this teaches Marty a lesson about communication with stakeholders that need to be included–particularly when it involves valuable and historical works of art. It may not mean much to some, but it is important to this city. Perhaps more people will stop by now that we have had this controversy. With an expanded convention center, we will be able to welcome many more people through its doors.
Thank you to all who helped bring about a positive resolution.
Well In 1998 it was a big deal. We even had a local and independent newspaper with art and architecture critics that wrote about it then. Even a mayor who was supportive of the arts in a visible way. Things do change, don’t they.
I recall touring the facility at a big open house with my wife and six-year old daughter to our delight.
Perhaps after the upgrade and reinstall the community will be invited back for another big open house.
I’m not saying the work isn’t worthwhile, simply that it’s largely unknown and unacknowledged.
The Milwaukee Downtown (BID 21) doesn’t seem to know about it:
https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/experience/public-art
And neither did Milwaukee Mag in its 2019 piece on under the radar public art:
https://www.milwaukeemag.com/milwaukees-under-the-radar-public-art/
Heck, it took 3-4 articles in Urban Milwaukee before anyone know what name to call it. I’m not denigrating the piece. A work of such import deserves to be better known and publicized.
Thanks to everyone who came together to make this compromise possible. And to Urbban Milwaukee for publicizing the issue.
Good news.
As a blueprint for future needs, the discussions, lessons and resolutions may be as important as the artwork.
Let’s make certain those are as well preserved as the art.
Nice to see local journalism and public scrutiny leading to an outcome like this.
I have traveled to many a city’s convention centers for professional conferences over the last 50 years. I have NEVER seen anything that approaches what we did with this unique and incredible literary installation. It is vital that it be maintained and promoted! This is evidence of what makes Milwaukee and Wisconsin great! (Revisited in January, 2024!)