Public Arts Commission approves four Hilltop banners to honor local artists

The Madison City Public Arts Commission voted May 7 to install four vinyl banners on new Hilltop light poles, a project the Arts Alliance said will reconnect the Hilltop area with downtown and honor local artists.

The Arts Alliance representative told the commission that a local property owner and businesses have committed to the initial Hilltop banners and that the banners would be similar to previous downtown pieces. The presenter said the switch boxes and banners will “tie it and to celebrate our creatives all through our community.” The presenter also said an earlier generation of downtown banners was retired after five or six years and the group hopes to expand the program with a full call for art later.

Commissioners asked where the banners would be placed and were told they would mount on new light poles near the Sunrise/Birdman area and adjacent to a school art switch box produced by Madison Junior High. The presenter estimated past costs at roughly $100 per side and noted the project would usually use two-sided banners.

Chair invited a motion to proceed with the four Hilltop banners as described; a commissioner seconded the motion and commissioners approved it by voice vote.

The commission did not identify a dedicated public operating fund for the initial banner run during the discussion; the presenter noted private or business commitments for this first tranche and said the Arts Alliance intends a later broader call for art. No vote tally by name was recorded in the transcript. The commission will proceed with procurement and placement of the four banners as described.

The commission’s next meeting is Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber.