Alpharetta Council Considering Cultural Arts Commission

ALPHARETTA, GA — The City of Alpharetta could soon have more input on arts around the city if the proposed Cultural Arts Commission is approved.

The Alpharetta City Council heard from Director of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Services Morgan Rodgers regarding the proposed commission.

City staff is seeking direction from the city council on the next step in the process of establishing the commission, so it held a workshop at Monday's meeting.

"The purpose of this commission is to help arts and culture grow and thrive in the City of Alpharetta," Rodgers said. "Along with supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout the year, the Cultural Arts Commission would advise the city council on art acquisition, promote strategic arts planning, and support local Art Leader Groups in Alpharetta."

The proposed duties of the Cultural Arts Commission would include:

• Reviews, recommends and approves the acquisition of all works of art by the city, either purchase, gift or otherwise. Reviews and make recommendations as needed for pieces to be acquired and their proposed locations.
• Reviews and encourages programs for the cultural enrichment of the city.
• Reviews and recommends guidelines for art and culture contract programs that support community art and culture programming projects and may make annual funding recommendations to the city council.
• Proposes methods to encourage private initiative in arts and culture.
• May advise city council regarding the participation in or sponsoring by the city of artistic performances, programs or other cultural endeavors.
• May advise city council on the preservation and care of all cultural landmarks owned by the city and on the design and location of city owned or other statuary and works of art.
• Support and strengthen existing local organizations in the arts and culture fields.
• Increases public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of cultural activities and all forms of art and culture.
• Advises and assists with the development of an Art & Culture Master Plan for the city.
• Actively seek out and develop donations, offers of service and grants to further its and the city’s projects and activities.

The next step would be to work with legal and develop language for a city ordnance establishing the Cultural Arts Commission and bring the document back to city council for the approval process.