Submit Ideas For Rizzo Statue's Potential Future

PHILADELPHIA – As debate stirs around the statue of former Philadelphia Mayor and Police Commissioner Frank Rizzo, the city wants to hear from residents regarding the statue's potential future.

The city's Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy is asking the public to share their ideas for its future now through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15.

"The purpose of this process is not to take an opinion poll on the statue’s current location, but to look for the best ideas from the public for the statute’s future," officials said in an announcement. "Diverse representatives from the City’s Office of Arts Culture and Creative Economy, Department of Public Property, Managing Director’s Office, Department of Parks and Recreation and the Mayor’s Office will review the public’s submissions."

>>RELATED: Remove Rizzo Statue, Philadelphia Official Says

Quinn O’Callaghan writing for Philly.com says Philly native and Rob McElhenney, the creator and star of "It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia" and owner of Mac's Tavern on Market Street, deserves his own statue in the city thanks to his 12 seasons of highlighting Philly.

Once submissions are reviewed, officials will make a decision in late September whether or not to initiate the City’s policy for removing, relocating or de-accessioning public art.

Factors in the policy that allow removing art include protest of the artwork has occurred throughout a significant portion of a period of five years; a determination is made that the artwork is no longer suited to its location or is best suited to a new location; presenting a danger to public safety; and more.

See the full policy online here.

The policy requires the Kenney administration to provide the statue's artist, Zenos Frudakis, with a 30 day notice period, officials said.

When that 30-day period is over, the Art Commission would call a public hearing to vote on the City’s proposal. There will be opportunity for public testimony before the Art Commission, officials said.

Anyone interested in submitting ideas is encouraged to do so online here.

Ideas can also be mailed or submitted in person to Office of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, Ideas for Rizzo’s Future ,City of Philadelphia, 116 City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Image via RegBarc, Wikimedia Commons