Developmental Information Guide 11
- The Art in Public Places Program
Background:-
A number of cities in California and across the
nation have adopted "art in public places" legislation.
In November 1986, the City of Laguna Beach adopted such an
ordinance which sets forth a program to emphasize the City's
cultural and artistic identity. The program is intended to
bring a spirited offering of visual arts to the community,
to visitors and to Orange County residents alike. This is
particularly important to Laguna Beach because it is an art
colony that attracts millions of visitors every year who
view and purchase arts and crafts in the City.
Intent and Purpose:-
The goal of the program is to implement
the placement of high quality public art and art programs
with a sensitivity to place and history, as well as
audience. The City believes that artists and developers,
working together, are capable of providing the leadership
needed to energize and revitalize the community and to
create a sense of place. Ultimately, the "art in public
places" program will further enhance the quality of life in
Laguna Beach and establish Laguna Beach as a repository and
archive of Southern California art in both the historical
and contemporary sense. Although it emphasizes regional
artists, it is not limited to them.
Applicability and Requirements:-
The program applies to all
new commercial and industrial developments and residential
developments (including subdivisions) of more than four lots
or units. In addition, it applies to any remodeling, repair
or reconstruction of buildings in these categories when the
value exceeds $225,000. The City's own public works projects
are also included when their value exceeds $225,000. The
program does not apply to reconstruction of structures that
have been damaged by fire, flood or other natural calamity.
If a project is in one of the categories cited above, there
are two choices in meeting the requirements of the program.
An art work may be acquired and installed in a public
place on or in the vicinity of the project site. This must
be approved by the City Council (see below) and installed
prior to completion of your project. As a guide, the cost or
value of such work should approximate 1% of the project
valuation. An in-lieu fee may be paid that is a contribution to an
"arts in public places" fund. This fee is equal to one
and one-quarter percent of the total project cost and must be
paid prior to completion and occupancy of each individual
project.
Procedure for Approval of Art Work-
If an individual chooses to acquire and install an art work,
the City will make every effort to expedite the application
for approval of the work.
An application must be submitted to the Department of
Community Development which describes what art work has been
chosen. The Arts Commission must review the proposal and
submit comments and/or a recommendation on the proposed art
work to City Council within sixty days of your submittal;
the City Council then makes a final determination. The Arts
Commission meets the second and fourth Monday of each month.
Guidelines to be used in evaluating the submittal are
included in the ordinance which is available at the
Department of Community Development.
In-Lieu Contributions-
In-lieu funds are deposited in a
separate "arts in public places fund". Interest is
credited to this fund, which is used to provide sites for, and work
of art in, public places. These expenditures may include:
the cost of art work and its installation; water works;
landscaping; lighting and other objects that are an integral
part of the art work; walls; pools; other architectural
elements necessary for the proper aesthetic and structural
placement of an art work; and, maintenance and repair of art
works funded through the art in public places fund. The City
has also established an endowment fund to which anyone may
contribute.
Benefits of Art in Public Places:-
Everyone benefits from
Art in Public Places. Laguna Beach has a real commitment to
retaining its function as an art colony. This program will
encourage artists to remain in Laguna; it will encourage
tourists to continue to visit the City and to purchase art
work; it will enhance the residential and
commercial/industrial areas of the community; and, it will
make a walk through the City pleasant for residents and
tourists.
For more information contact:
-
Department of Community Development
Planning Division
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, California 92651
(949) 497-0713
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