Downtown Specific Plan requirements for new developments’ contributions to an Urban Art Program will extend citywide if Glendale’s Redevelopment Agency approves this city staff recommendation. The agency meets Tuesday, December 7 at 2:30 p.m. to consider the change.
Currently, developers pay a 1% fee for any project in the DSP Redevelopment Area (which ends in 5 years) valued at $500,000 or more. In addition to extending the requirement throughout the city, the change will create a General Art Fund for the city, give developers 2 choices (a 2%-of-value on-site public art project, or a 1% contribution to the General Art Fund), and establish guidelines for oversight and art selection by qualified individuals.
Making the arts a priority for public spaces and civic life is one big way Glendale can create a unique brand and promote itself as a destination. Keeping high-quality performing arts options in the city won’t happen without city and public support.
Supporter Arlene Vidor urges residents’ support for the proposal:
“This expansion enables a steady source of funding for the arts that can be used to fund arts events, arts related groups, and venues (new and existing, such as the Alex Theater). Note the Alex which will no longer receive any funds when the redevelopment district in downtown Glendale sunsets in a few years. This change needs a 4 OUT OF 5 Council “yes” vote to pass (because it includes zoning changes) and it’s critically important that you weigh in with your support. PLEASE VOICE YOUR SUPPORT either in person or in writing for joint City Council/Redevelopment Agency agenda items 1a, 1b, and 1c on December 7th, related to improvements in the Glendale Urban Art Program.”
Preface to Glendale’s Urban Art Program Guidelines (in the staff report):
As it exists, the Urban Art Program seeks to promote a diverse and stimulating cultural environment to enrich the quality of life for residents and visitors. The Program encourages the creative interaction of artists, developers, designers, city officials and community members during the design of development projects, in order to develop public art that is meaningful to the site and to the community. The Program anticipates a diverse range of art experiences throughout the downtown, enlivening the public space available during the everyday routines of walking to work, eating at a sidewalk cafe, or shopping on Brand Boulevard. By expanding the program citywide, residents and visitors will enjoy public art throughout Glendale. In addition, by incentivizing in-lieu fee payments into the Urban Art Fund , the City would be able to fund projects in art deficient areas of the City.