Las Cruces City Council unanimously passed the Public Art Funding Policy. This new policy will consider art projects as part of the Capital Improvement program. During the budget process, 1% of money for general fund projects will be set aside for art. Mark Johnston, Director of Parks and Recreation, says art is an important part of the city.
“Public Art in a community is part of it’s quality of life,” Johnston said. “Especially, if we can embrace our local artists and put their pieces on public display. It shows a commitment to the art’s community. And that’s part of what I do. Parks and Recreation, public places, it’s called the ‘wow’ factor and we try to build that into any of our public places.”
The City Art Board will recommend art projects to the council, who will then approve the projects. Mayor Pro-Tem Greg Smith says showcasing local art is a good way to help brand the city of Las Cruces.
“Las Cruces is looking for various ways to establish it’s identity as a unique community,” Smith said. “And one of the easiest ways and one of the most important ways to do that is through how it shows it’s art, shows it’s appreciation for art, shows off the fact that we have artists here locally.”
Local artist Irene Oliver-Lewis, says that the new policy will also help to encourage people to participate in the arts.
“Art is around us all over,” Oliver-Lewis said. “And now creating a 1% for art program in our city, what we are doing is honoring the art that is created by our artists, locally, both professional and emerging artists. And then the other thing is you create an artful environment.
The first project will be constructed at the East Mesa Public Safety complex. Mark Johnston says these new projects will help to showcase the community.
“We have our downtown, really, arts culture, and we should be displaying it in public spaces and taking our artists and showing them off,” Johnston said.
The City Council also approved a reolution to support the Film and Television industry in the community with the hopes of creating a soundstage.
