News Summary
The Phoenix City Council is preparing to vote on an ordinance that would require art installations in new developments. This proposal, ‘Art in Private Development,’ aims to allocate a portion of construction costs towards original art, reflecting a trend in urban planning. Several Arizona cities already have similar mandates, and local leaders emphasize the importance of incorporating art for vibrant community spaces. While support is growing among council members, there’s a call for more input from developers on the initiative’s implementation and funding.
Phoenix City Council is poised to vote on a draft ordinance that would require new developments in the city to incorporate art installations. Tentatively titled “Art in Private Development,” this proposal is currently under discussion by the city’s Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee and is anticipated to be voted on in the spring.
The upcoming ordinance aims to mandate that developers allocate a percentage of their construction costs towards the creation of original, site-specific art. The proposal was presented by Mitch Menchaca, the outgoing Arts and Culture Director for Phoenix, who has recently accepted a new position with the Greater Columbus Arts Council in Ohio, reportedly at a salary double what he earned in Phoenix.
Several cities across Arizona, including Sedona, Scottsdale, and Tempe, have already established similar mandates requiring public art installations in private developments. Sedona’s requirement was introduced in 1995 and applies to developments exceeding 5,000 square feet and expansions greater than 2,500 square feet. Scottsdale implemented its mandate in 1985, requiring that planned block developments in the downtown area obtain approval from the Scottsdale Public Art Board for their art installations. Meanwhile, Tempe’s ordinance, passed in 1991, mandates that city-wide developments over 50,000 square feet either install art approved by the Tempe Arts and Culture Department or contribute to the Tempe Municipal Arts Fund.
Nationwide, at least 18 states have municipalities with requirements for public art in private developments according to the Public Art Archive. Currently, the city of Phoenix encourages businesses to include art in their projects through density or height bonuses and alternative compliance standards.
Catrina Kahler, the CEO of ArtLink Inc, has expressed her support for the proposed mandate, highlighting the importance of developing creative and aesthetically pleasing urban environments. She emphasized the low-risk and high return on investment associated with requiring art in development projects.
Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien has also indicated her support for the initiative but has called for additional input from private developers prior to finalizing the ordinance. She has raised concerns about the limited locations designated for art installations in the northwest part of the Valley, which are often dependent on city funding.
Furthermore, Councilwoman Debra Stark has expressed her backing for a city-wide ordinance but has stressed the need for greater engagement with the private sector to ensure successful implementation. Councilwoman Laura Pastor has suggested that the ordinance should also include provisions for securing funding dedicated to the maintenance of existing art installations, potentially within the framework of the new ordinance.
The potential move to mandate art installations in new developments could mark a significant shift in Phoenix’s approach to urban planning and public art, reflecting a growing trend among municipalities to enhance creativity in urban spaces. As discussions continue, the city will consider the implications of such a requirement on developers, residents, and the cultural landscape of Phoenix.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Free News: Phoenix Looks to Mandate Art Installments for New Developments
- Wikipedia: Public Art
- Phoenix New Times: Phoenix Arts Group Cala Alliance Celebrates New Home
- Google Search: Art in Development
- Jax Daily Record: Phoenix District’s Total Investment in North Springfield Project
- Google Scholar: Public Art Initiatives
- Jacksonville.com: Arts, Dining, and More Planned for Community Development Project
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Planning
- Axios: Apartments and Art Gallery in Central North Downtown
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
