City Council approves mandatory one percent for art 

(September 15, 2009) - Residents and visitors to Oklahoma City can expect to see more public art in the future.  Oklahoma City Council passed a new ordinance today requiring that one percent of construction expenses spent on City-owned property be set aside for art in public spaces.

The new ordinance repeals a former ordinance that allowed, but did not require, one percent for the arts.  The mandatory art funding was a recommendation of the Oklahoma City Arts Commission, which suggests and reviews art purchases and makes recommendations for City Council approval. 

The ordinance applies to the construction of new buildings, major renovations of existing buildings and significant park developments.  Most of the funding for construction projects comes from General Obligation Bond Issues, Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and special purpose taxes such as MAPS.

“One percent for the arts is something the Arts Commission has wanted for many years,” said Arts Commission Chairperson Terri Cooper.  “We feel strongly that public art not only creates beauty and interest, but the art can serve as a magnet to help make Oklahoma City a destination of choice.  It helps fire up the economic engine and is an important component of our City.”

The ordinance takes affect in 30 days.