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Home My WebLink About10-27-20 Public Comment - C. Miller & S. Huber-McGee - Support of 1 percent for arts proposalDear Mayor and Commissioners, We are writing to express our wholehearted support of the Municipal Percent for the Arts proposal. We are encouraged that the City Plan recognizes the value that the Arts add to our City, and excited that this proposal is up for consideration. It is no mystery that the addition of art enhances the aesthetics and appeal of public spaces. As Bozeman grows and has the opportunity to incorporate these types of elements into its new and existing public spaces, we support the dedication of funds to do just that. In addition to our support of this proposal, we would urge the Mayor and Commission to consider adding a provision to the ordinance that gives preference to local and regional artists when considering applicants for public art installations. Artists in our region have a unique understanding of the culture, landscape, and communal values of our City, and their talents deserve the canvas of public spaces to be celebrated. There are a number of non-profit organizations and groups in our area focused specifically on the Arts. We would like to encourage the city manager to work with a selection committee that represents more than one of those organizations to aid in the selection of proposed projects. This proposal has great potential, but there are inconsistencies in the language of the ordinance that could be remedied to improve the concept and maximize its impact. Lastly, we would also urge the Mayor and Commission to move toward implementing a similar funding structure to private development projects that have the potential to dramatically impact the culture of our town. If incorporating the Arts into the planning phases of our town is indeed a priority, it doesn’t have to be limited to those projects that are funded by taxpayer dollars. Thank you for your consideration of this proposal. With gratitude, Callie Miller & Salal Huber-McGee Co-executive directors of SLAM (Support Local Artists and Musicians)