On June 8, 2022 the Madison Arts Commission (MAC) selected Michael Ford, also known as the “Hip Hop Architect”, to create the integrated public art component for a new parking structure planned for 2300 South Park Street.

Graef and Strang, the architects hired to design the building, consulted with the City to identify opportunities for integrating public art into the project. The artist was asked to create work that would enhance the exterior face of the project as well as the interior stairwell.

Michael Ford met with residents of South Madison on June 27, 2022 resulting in his initial draft art concepts. Michael also sought response from the public via the Madison Arts Commission’s October 12, 2022 public meeting.

Michael has since refined his designs and is again seeking public input about his public art and design concepts by November 7 at noon. The results will inform his final design drawings which will then be submitted to the Community Development Authority (CDA) and City for approval. Here is a link to the survey: https://airtable.com/shrpToQ4OdArUYruN

"The Madison Arts Commission was thrilled to have the opportunity to commission Michael Ford for the Village on Park Percent for Art project. Michael Ford is a world-class artist with a track record of working to involve underserved communities in urban planning and civic design," said Anna January, Chair of MAC. She went on to state, "For The Village on Park Parking Structure we felt it was important that the artist we selected would showcase the neighborhood's vibrant and diverse cultural history and identity. We hope South Madison residents respond positively to Michael's draft designs and that they provide him with constructive input that will help him finalize his proposal for the CDA and the City."

This project is funded through the Percent for Art Ordinance, which allocates funds from eligible public works projects for art into the site design. As part of the Village on Park project, 1% of City funds in the project budget were allocated specifically for public art for the parking structure.

The Madison Arts Commission (MAC), an 11-member citizen commission appointed by the Mayor to advise the City about matters of arts and culture. MAC’s mission is to foster arts appreciation by initiating partnerships, developing new audiences, and sponsoring diverse artistic activities by emerging and established artists and arts organizations while preserving Madison’s rich artistic tradition. To support a full creative life for all, The Madison Arts Commission commits to championing policies and practices of cultural equity that empower a just, inclusive, equitable city.