While President Trump may be eyeing federal spending on the arts as a possible budget cut, one Virginia city is ramping up support for the arts. Mallory Noe-Payne reports that Richmond recently released its first draft of a public arts master plan.
Every time Richmond city invests in a large capital project, they also set aside a small chunk of those funds for public art.
Over time the pot has grown, and now the city has almost $3 million. Ellyn Parker, Richmond’s public arts coordinator, says that by leveraging corporate partnerships or individual dollars they can do some big things.
“There’s a lot of ways to make that money go really really far, but I definitely think that some gateway projects and some big iconic pieces would be great for Richmond’s entirety,” says Parker.
The draft of the newly-released master plan includes specific ideas for projects and where to place them in the city. But it also suggests changes to how Richmond defines art, meaning Parker could get more creative in how the money is spent.
“I see groups that are doing amazing things in the public realm. They’re throwing fire performance, you know we have theater groups that would love to be out performing in public spaces," Parker says. "Right now I have absolutely no ability to fund things like that.”
In the meantime -- Richmond is currently accepting submissions for a more classic piece of art in the city’s Manchester neighborhood. Local artists are encouraged to apply.
The city also wants to hear from you on the new master plan. Here's where to go and when to have your say:
• Tuesday April 4th 12 - 1:30 p.m. at The Depot at VCU
• Tuesday April 4th 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Hull Street Library
• Wednesday April 5th 5:30 - 7 p.m. at North Ave Library
• Monday April 10th 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center
• Wednesday April 12th at 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Gallery 5
