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Public art program gets nod by council
By Jason Dietrich
A public art program that could add fountains to the waterfront, statues to parks and murals to city buildings is in the works at City Hall.
At their meeting Tuesday evening, the Redondo Beach City Council approved a plan to start up a public arts program. A fee of up to one percent of a major venture's value would be charged to developers looking to build commercial projects in Redondo. That money would go to beautify Redondo Beach.
"The timing of this is sort of proposal is good because we're looking at some major new commercial developments in the harbor," said Councilman Gerard Bisignano, who has been promoting the idea.
But putting art on public land is always a controversial proposition. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and what one person considers thought provoking may be distasteful to others. Initially at least, the plan is to steer clear of potentially objectionable projects.
"In the beginning we're going to be focusing on 'soft art.' Things like fountains and mosaics that will beautify the city and add a little bit of sophistication. We want to emphasize the city's heritage and focus on a nautical theme," said Bisignano, who envisions eventually using public art in a manner similar to Catalina Island's Avalon, creating distinct waterfront district with it's own atmosphere.
"Everybody you talk to is going to have his or her own idea where and what it should be. That discussion is going to be real interesting," said Sue Armstrong, Director of Parks and Recreation.
The Council will select a committee of five to select artworks to be placed at sites determined by staff. Three arts professionals would be balanced out by two residents who planners hope will provide the hometown knowledge and restraint experience in the art world and three arts professionals to choose artists and artworks at sites determined by the city staff. Potential sites for public artworks include the harbor front, the Riviera Village, in front of City Hall, the city's gateway at Herondo and Pacific Coast Highway, and along Artesia Boulevard. Staff is looking into hiring a consultant to jumpstart the program will probably cost about $6,000 which the city plans to get from its general funds, to be repaid when the program generates some cash of its own. ER
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