(Editor's note: This is just one part of a series of stories about local candidates in the upcoming June 2 primary, municipal and school board election. Find more coverage here.)
Simplified: Sioux Falls has an increasing public art presence in part thanks to a new full-time arts coordinator. As we see more public art across town, Sioux Falls Simplified asked City Council candidates how they'd approach decisions related to funding these projects.
Here's what we asked:
The city is in the process of developing an arts and culture master plan, and a recent survey showed most residents support city funding for the arts. How would you, personally, approach decisions about funding public art projects?
Here's what candidates had to say (in reverse alphabetical order, because sometimes you've gotta mix it up):
Bob Trzynka
Trzynka said public art is an "extraordinarily important" piece of the city's growth – noting that things like the South Dakota Symphony and State Theatre attract people to our community.
"Investing in the arts is a true investment in that it both improves the quality of life for Sioux Falls citizens, and it attracts people to come to Sioux Falls, which again, increases sales tax revenue," Trzynka said. "It attracts both employers and employees to Sioux Falls, which is what we need to continue growth and continue economic development and again, budget growth."
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Zak Okuwe
"Public art, it's an economic tool," Okuwe said. "When we have more arts, especially in the core, it brings more people. But at the same time, also, there are budget constraints. I think we have to focus on those core services, public safety, public works, parks and recreation. But yeah, absolutely, I'm a huge fan of the arts, whether it's the SculptureWalk, whether it's murals all across town. I think we need more of it, but I also think the private sector can step in to support some of these art initiatives."
Matthew McKinley
McKinley did not respond to multiple calls and emails requesting an interview.
Tommy Kunz
Kunz said he would support funding public art projects and that art and culture are an important part of our community, noting SculptureWalk as an example.
"I think we should also expand some of that to kind of help develop out other areas," Kunz said. "Get some of our public parks to include sculptures and stuff made by the public to help really bring that sense of community and give more of a culture around, because right now, you can see the nice sculptures if your guests come downtown. But, you know, especially with me running for central district, central district is more than just downtown."
Zach DeBoer
DeBoer, a professional artist, said the arts are very near and dear. He initially joined the city's Visual Arts Commission at a time when the city was considering tearing down the mosaic wall on Ninth Street by the river. That battle was ultimately won.
- He added that while the city hasn't always been the best supporter of the arts, the last few years things have improved – especially with the addition of Maren Engel as the city's full-time arts coordinator.
"If we want to tout ourselves as a cultural and artistic and beautiful sort of community, which we do, if you look at our tourism ads ... then we can put our money where our mouth is and continue to fund those things," DeBoer said.
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