One Florida towns desire to promote works of art in public spaces demonstrates the challenges when government (and taxpayer dollars) get involved with art.
"It's hard to say this Lake County city does not appreciate art.
The city hosts one of Central Florida's largest and most prestigious art shows every February, drawing artists from around the country. And throughout downtown, you'll find wall murals, sculptures and arty bike racks.
Now Mount Dora officials plan to take a big step into the controversial arena of public art. They want to use tax money -- as well as cash from developers -- to buy sculptures, murals and paintings and display the works around the city.
The initiative is sure to raise the ire of armchair art critics who often label public art funds as wastes of money.
"I know you're not going to get everyone to agree on art," council member and local artist Judy Smathers said. "But we're known as an arts community." "
FULL STORY: Path to public art often has pitfalls
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie