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Shelley Osterloh reportingThe Mayor wants to improve the streets of downtown Salt Lake, with art and performers.
Rocky Anderson put out a call to artists, to use the sidewalks and parks to perform, display, and sell their art.
Sidewalks are just sidewalks. But the Mayor wants them to also be filled with art. He says it will improve the city's vibrancy, culture and creativity.
"Mayor Rocky Anderson: TODAY WE ARE CALLING ON ARTISTS FROM THROUGH OUT THIS AREA TO FEEL THE SENSE OF ADVENTURE AND BRING THEIR ART -- WHETHER IT BE VISUAL OR PERFORMING ART -- ON TO OUR CITY SIDEWALKS AND INTO OUR PARKS. "
Salt Lake City has an ordinance that allows artists, like Susan Komanetsky, to sell right on the sidewalk in the city's commercial areas and in parks, with no permit or fee.
Susan Komanetsky, Potter: " I REALLY ENJOY IT. I GET TO MEET PEOPLE WHO LIKE MY WORK, AND GET TO GET DIRECT FEEDBACK FROM THEM. "
Those visual artists who sell their art in public spaces more than 12 times a year, will need to get 50-dollar permit fee.
But not those in the performing arts, like the band called -- "In the Pocket" Folks attracted to the music, say art adds a lot to the quality of life in the city.
Cindy Schmidt: "I THINK WE NEED MORE ART IN SALT LAKE CITY, I THINK ITS A GREAT TIME... TAKE A BREAK FROM LUNCH...IT'S THE MUSIC, SOME CULTURE... I THINK ITS WONDERFUL. "
Dani Charboneau: "I THINK ITS GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY, I THINK ITS GOOD FOR OUR LOCAL ARTISTS, BRINGS... A SENSE OF COMMUNITY, BRINGS US ALL TOGETHER"
Mayor Anderson says, if people like it, they should show it.
Mayor Rocky Anderson: " SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ARTISTS... TIP THE PERFORMERS... PAY FOR SOME ART"
The Director of Salt Lake City Arts Council says, there are many artists who could benefit while adding dimension to the downtown experience.
Nancy Boskoff, Dir. Salt Lake City Arts Council: "IT'S A VERY PROGRESSIVE ORDINANCE... AND THERE ARE ARTISTS WHO ARE INTERESTED. "
The City has also set up some regular gatherings for artists to display their art:
- Friday Evenings at Exchange Place
- Saturday mornings at Pioneer Park
- Saturday Afternoons at Library Square
- And Sundays at Liberty Park There will be an informational meeting for interested artists next Wednesday at 7 at the Art Barn.
