Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 01/09/2025

Home

in the "renaissance" of downtown and that businesses will benefit by it. Groups that will continue to benefit will be civic and non-profit groups like the historical society and the Lions Club that sponsor and promote public art projects and take ownership in the projects. The aspects of public costs that he considers are the opportunity cost for the land dedicated to public art, and whether that land could be put to another purpose. He also considers the cost of maintenance and upkeep, and the long-term liability if a sculpture needs to be removed for some reason. To date, he says, the "city hasn't spent a dollar" on actual construction or purchase of public art. Local projects have been supported by fundraising within the community and outside grants. The city has incidental cost associated with the dedicated areas of city park land, and the design and construction of city sidewalk areas that might accommodate public art. Elected official The council member in Community C believes that public art contributes to the community by providing an identity to the town, creating points of reference, and creating familiarity amongst people. She also believes that art provides an opportunity for people to visit the city. As a city council person, she believes that there "are issues that are more critical to basic life than art, but in terms of having a quality city, I think art has a role to play." She thinks that public art creates a unique identity, increase the aesthetic of the city, and increases the opportunities for expression. She thinks aesthetics is probably the strongest rationale for public art. Public art has a mixed reaction among local residents. There is a crowd that likes art and "others who just don't get it, don't care for it, and are suspicious of how it got paid for." She sees the public art similar to any other park amenity, with public art providing the opportunity for people who are interested in art to either create or view it. Public art has a benefit to all that have the opportunity to view it. It also provides the "doers" in the town to help the community. 107