Giving a percent for art would improve city

As we all know, we've gone through the worst flood in our history and many people and businesses are still struggling to recover from it. They city has been faced with hard decisions and more are still to come.

One thing we should be thinking about is how we want our city to look. Do we want it to appear just as it was? Do we want to have some new forms for new times? Do we want it to be plain or beautiful?

Research has shown that a community with noticeable public artwork attracts and retains businesses, increases productivity and enhances the quality of life for those who live there.

Many cities, including Albuquerque, New Haven, Portland and even New York City have chosen to have a percent for art for city-owned construction projects. Usually it's spent on art elements incorporated into the buildings themselves, such as floor mosaics, lighting, brickwork, doors and entry ways - things that would be in the buildings anyway but done creatively. It can also include landscaping, streetscapes, sculpture and paintings, where appropriate.

If the city council were encouraged to pass a percent for art ordinance in Cedar Rapids, we could have an attractive (and attracting) city that would draw businesses and workers and new residents.

Please consider calling or writing a council member and ask them to support a percent for art.

Kate Hawkins

Cedar Rapids