The Streetscape Plan is funded through a $100,000 Supplemental Appropriation of the State Legislature that is administered through the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC). The legislation calls for "a comprehensive master plan for the Cleveland Circle neighborhood and the initial implementation of such plan." The plan includes measures for pedestrian safety, traffic circulation and streetscape improvements. Also, public art is an important component of the plan.

The EAI is a streetscape enhancement that is required as a first step in implementing the streetscape plan. The intent is to support the overall streetscape design by creating a tangible and immediate improvement. Since the budget for the EAI is quite limited, the scope of the EAI reflects that fact.

At the public forums conducted last year, residents expressed interest in an informal entrance and connection to Cassidy Park. The design team developed a symbolic gateway to serve as a transition point between the urban nature of the Circle and the pastoral park setting. Several design iterations were presented to the Streetscape Plan Steering Committee and at two public meetings. The project consists of a carpet of ornamental brick pavement flanked by granite bollards and landscaping. The EAI will be located at the corner of Cassidy Park near Beacon Street.

The site was selected based largely on location. Since many pedestrians enter the park near the ball field, the location is a logical transition between the Circle and the park. An important criterion for the EAI was to choose a site that would not be disrupted as a result of future streetscape improvements. The steering committee also consulted with the Boston Parks and Public Works departments to satisfy their criteria. The design and site rationale were presented at two public forums in spring 2002.

When the steering committee selected The Cecil Group as the design consultant for the streetscape plan, one task in their proposal was to create a vision for Cleveland Circle that included public art as part of the final design. The selection and design of art objects would be developed under the direction of a professional artist or team of artists with participation from the community. Based on her noted experience as artist, teacher and consultant, The Cecil Group recommended Mags Harries to guide the public art process, and the steering committee concurred.

Without the direction and abilities of professional artists who have worked successfully in public art installations, it is likely that the best results would not be achieved. Also, it is necessary to have artist(s) collaborate with he Cecil Group in the overall plan for Cleveland Circle so that all design components work well together. Furthermore, for the design and implementation of art elements to have strong funding leverage with foundations that support public art projects, the ideas put forward need to be credible in the view of the grantors.

The focal piece will be one of several art elements to be designed as part of an overall plan for public art within the context of the recently completed streetscape plan. There are some eleven proposed locations that are presented in a notebook of Art Alternatives for Cleveland Circle by Mags Harries. These alternatives are merely ideas or possibilities. Actual choices will be developed in a collaborative manner with selected artists and the community through a public process.

The focal piece differs from the EAI contractually and in both scope and design. The EAI is a funded component under ARCAs contract with MHC. It is a decorative streetscape element and not an artistic element. The EAI budget is limited to $25,000. The cost of the focal piece is substantial and funds have not yet been secured. Possible funding sources for fabrication and installation have been identified. However, the focal piece cannot be installed until the streetscape design is constructed.

The decision and actual selection of the public art will be accomplished through community participation and ultimately by a panel of jurors comprising art professionals and members of the community. The steering committee is working with Mags Harries to develop funding sources.

The design and location of the EAI have been selected through a public process. The site for the focal piece is the preferred site of the consulting teams artist, Mags Harries. There will be opportunity for the community to participate in the selection of sites for other art elements.

This is a memorial that is being proposed in memory of Cynthia Lucero, the runner who passed away near Cleveland Circle in the 2002 marathon. Her running coaches, Rick and Lori Muhr, have established a committee to create a bronze statue and have begun fundraising from private sources. At the same time, Jerry Collins of ARCA had suggested a marathon memorial, and he is working with the Muhrs to advance the idea. Jerry is serving as liaison to the steering committee on the marathon idea. Design and location of a marathon memorial will go through a public process similar to other art elements.

If all goes well, the EAI should be finished this summer. The design of the focal piece needs to be finished in 2003 according the supporting foundation, The New England Foundation for the Arts. Depending on actual items selected and their specific locations, it is likely that art installations will not be possible until the streetscape improvements are built.