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newsobserver.com Page 1 of 2 <br /> 14- <br /> THE N " :4 B E VER <br /> newsobserver. com <br /> Published: Feb 18, 2009 12:30 AM <br /> Modified: Feb 18, 2009 02:18 AM <br /> a��-`���� <br /> A-a <br /> 'Glimpses of the Promised Land' graces Raleigh's Chavis Park. Two city council members voted against the public <br /> funding formula, citing the poor economy. Mayor Charles Meeker expects things to be better by the time most <br /> projects get started <br /> Staff File Photo by Juli Leonard <br /> Buy Photo <br /> A 0.5% tip for public art <br /> Raleigh approves funding formula to grace buildings, parks and <br /> public spaces <br /> DAVID BRACKEN, Staff Writer <br /> Comment on this story <br /> The Raleigh City Council voted Tuesday to dedicate a constant stream of taxpayer money for the <br /> creation and development of public art for city buildings, parks and other public spaces. <br /> City projects planned for after April 1 will be eligible to have 0.5 percent of their total <br /> construction cost go toward public art. Eligible projects will be selected by City Manager Russell <br /> Allen and submitted to the Raleigh Arts Commission. The commission will determine whether a <br /> public art component is appropriate for the project, as well as the type of art and how the artist <br /> is chosen. <br /> The vote Tuesday was a victory for local art supporters who have lobbied for years for Raleigh <br /> to make public art a priority. Asheville, Chapel Hill and Charlotte have similar ordinances that <br /> dedicate 1 percent of the budget for eligible capital projects to public art. <br /> Councilmen Philip Isley and Rodger Koopman were the only two council members who opposed <br /> the resolution. Koopman said the city should delay the implementation date until the economy <br /> has improved. <br /> Isley said he couldn't support the resolution given the economic uncertainty faced by the city <br /> and many of its residents. <br /> "I just don't think it's the right message to send out right now," he said. <br /> Council members Mary-Ann Baldwin and Russ Stephenson argued that supporting public art <br /> provides an economic boost and helps draw tourists and talented workers to Raleigh. <br /> http://www.newsobserver.com/news/v-print/story/1409614.html 2/24/2009 <br />