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Public art ordinance could extend citywide
Now, the requirement to incorporate art into buildings only applies to the central business district.
By JANET ZINK
Published April 7, 2005
TAMPA - City Council is scheduled to hear a report today from city administrators on the possibility of broadening Tampa's public art ordinance.
The current ordinance, passed in 1989, requires developers in the central business district to spend 0.75 percent of their project's cost on public art, up to $200,000. They can incorporate art into their building or write a check to the city for public art.
City Council member Linda Saul-Sena said she thinks the ordinance should apply citywide.
"We have such a dynamic community right now. So many projects are in play," Saul-Sena said Wednesday. "Now is the time to create as much public art as possible to make our city attractive and vibrant."
Other cities have public art ordinances that are more aggressive and flexible, said Robin Nigh, administrator for Tampa's program.
"The best public art is driven by the private citizens," Nigh said.
In Chicago, she pointed out, the public art ordinance funded pieces by Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Alexander Calder.
Because Tampa's ordinance applies to such a small area, the existing Public Art fund is only $50,000. Expanding the geographic boundaries for the ordinance would net much more.
"We have said we are a city of the arts. It's not a downtown of the arts," said Tampa economic development manager Mark Huey. "It's natural to ask what does a public ordinance mean in the context of a city of the arts."
Other cities also offer more flexibility for developers. Tampa's ordinance requires that public art inject artwork into the urban landscape. In Tempe, Ariz., developers can contribute to the creation or maintenance of a cultural facility, such as an art museum or performing arts center. In Miami, developers can opt to maintain existing artwork.
Nigh said she is eager to capitalize on Tampa's building boom and get a new ordinance in place.
"There's so much development going on. Tampa is in the moment," she said. "It's dripping with opportunity."
Janet Zink can be reached at 813 226-3401 or jzink@sptimes.com
[Last modified April 7, 2005, 01:22:13]
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