August 17, 2004

Dear Mayor and Council:

The City of Ashland Public Arts Commission has launched a grassroots fundraising campaign for public art. These funds will be used to offset the costs associated with public art, including the artist/artwork, installation and maintenance. To date, in-kind and cash contributions ranging from $10 to $1,000 total $2,000.

In addition to fundraising, the commission is finalizing the Request for Proposal for the public art area at the top of the Granite Street staircase from the Calle, known as the Overlook. Conservative estimates indicate that $15,000 is needed to complete the project, $3,000 for the artist and $12,000 for materials and installation.

We have been in contact with some of the primary granting organizations in Oregon. All encourage us to apply for funding once we can illustrate financial support from our local government and citizenry. To that end, the PAC respectfully requests the City Council allocate the remaining $5,695 from the Cultural and Economic Development Grant funds to the Public Art Commission to be used towards public art and to modify the existing Resolution, 2004-11, to allow the Public Arts', Commission to apply for these grants and/or receive an annual allocation from the TOT for the purpose of public art.

We would submit to the Council that funds from the TOT .fund were intended precisely for' this kind of use. Public art is cultural development and indirectly enhances economic development. Public art adds an aesthetic element to a community. An aesthetically appealing community is beneficial to existing businesses and to potential new businesses and is pleasing to residents and visitors alike. The council formally recognized the important contribution of public art toward the economic and cultural vitality of a community when it adopted Ordinance 2890 (codified as AMC 2.17) which states "...the arts are an important part of the cultural and economic life of the entire community of Ashland and enrich the participants in the arts as well as those that observe them..."

The PAC is firmly committed to its mission as stated in the ordinance "...to enhance the cultural and aesthetic quality of life in Ashland by actively pursuing the placement of public art in public spaces..." The commission has worked extremely hard these past many months and will continue to seek funds from a variety of sources. An allocation from the Council, especially an annual commitment to fund Public Art, will assist fundraising efforts tremendously.

Public art is available to everyone 365 days a year in the open air. It does not have a performance schedule, does not need to sell tickets or to market an event and it is not located behind walls. It is the most accessible cultural entity possible.

Please help us to make public art a reality in Ashland.

Respectfully,

Kip Todd, Chair, Public Arts Commission

The attached is provided for your information:

Examples of funding for public art in other Oregon cities.

City		Population		Funding for Public Art
Medford		64,643		$25,000 per year from annual budget plus private donation
Lake Oswego		35,839		$20,000 per year from annual budget plus 1.5% of capital projects
Grant Pass		24,843		Small trust fund from sale of art
West Linn		24,172		$12-$15,000 per year plus 1% of capital projects
Tualatin		23,877		$8,5000 per year plus private fundraising and events
Ashland		20,215		Private donations

Summary of existing funds for public art in Ashland

McGee memorial	$19,000
Amie Krigel Memorial	$10,500
Other	$2,000