Mary Miss and DMAC Settle Art Dispute

Mary Miss and the Des Moines Art Center (DMAC) have settled a legal dispute regarding the demolition of her outdoor installation, Greenwood Pond: Double Site, with Miss receiving $900,000 as part of the agreement. The lawsuit, initiated by Miss to prevent the demolition, revealed tensions over the stewardship of the artwork, which had deteriorated and been deemed unsafe. The settlement allows DMAC to proceed with the removal of the installation, with authority over the process, while Miss has pledged her settlement funds to a new Public Art Advocacy Fund aimed at protecting similar artworks. The Cultural Landscape Foundation, which supported Miss during the lawsuit, criticized DMAC for failing to maintain the installation, emphasizing the need for better stewardship of significant art pieces. Miss expressed gratitude for the support she received from the community throughout the legal battle and hopes this experience will foster stronger relationships between artists and cultural institutions. The case has highlighted broader issues related to the preservation of outdoor public art and the rights of artists under current laws.