HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-21-20 Public Comment - M. Egge - Percent for ArtFrom:Mark Egge
To:Agenda
Subject:Percent for Art
Date:Wednesday, October 21, 2020 10:27:45 AM
Commissioners,
I'm writing in support of the proposed Percent for Art Program.
I begin with recognizing and acknowledging that all city expenditures are
paid for with homeowner taxes and fees—the burden of which is already
squeezing some city residents. In my view, any new expenditure mustmeet a threshold test of providing value to the community equal to or
greater than the cost born by community tax payers. After due
consideration, I believe the proposed Percent for Art to be a wise
investment.
Our public buildings should be inspiring places—not merely functional. Our
municipal buildings should convey the quality and style of governing
organization that the city strives to operate. This is important for membersof the public interacting with city government and (perhaps more
importantly) for the City's ability to attract and retain qualified staff.
Anecdotally, this proposed program immediately calls to mind the bannersthat hang from the front of the library and the sculpture that stands in
front of City Hall—both of which I consider to be defining features and
enhance the sense of community as I enter these buildings. The Stiff
building would undoubtedly be improved if its recent renovation hadincluded dedicated set-aside funding to include a bit of art along with its
new sheetrock and glass.
Should the city build a new parking garage in the future, this programwould set aside 1% of its estimated $15m construction cost to enhance
the structure or site with art. This $150,000 is equivalent to the cost of
three parking spaces in a future facility; I'm confident that the value to the
community of adding public art to the facility would far exceed themarginal benefit of three parking spaces.
I hope that you will find, as I do, that the proposed Percent for Art
program is a wise investment and will support the program with your voteon October 27th.
Mark Egge
542 N Black AveBozeman, MT 59715