Sunday, May 31, 2015

Denver spends big money on controversial public art

Denver spends big money on controversial public art - Watchdog.org
Three, 20-foot lanterns stand in front of Denver County’s troubled jail in a bleak industrial area off Havana Street and Smith Road, but the artist and city say the roughly $200,000 taxpayers spent on the public art could help take a bite out of crime.
“The art suggests fresh ways of interpreting the experiences of people who live and work in this area,” “Havana Lanterns” creator David Griggs was quoted in a city news release.
“By revealing these opportunities, the art can suggest alternatives to recidivism, and it can reflect upon hope, renewal, and inspiration of new beginnings.”
Photo By Arthur Kane
Photo By Arthur Kane
SEE THE LIGHT: The city stands by the allegedly restorative and reform properties of this public art.
In 1988, then-Mayor Federico Peña signed an executive order requiring all building projects that cost $1 million or more to dedicate 1 percent to public art, and since then Denver taxpayers have paid nearly $32 million for sometimes controversial art projects, city records show.
In 1991, the City Council passed an ordinance mirroring Peña’s executive order for new building projects, which are often funded by bond issues and tax increase initiatives..."

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