(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 mayoral 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):
David Zokaites said he'd take the approach that more public art is better, and he'd like to "put it everywhere" because "it's beautiful stuff."
"If you want to brighten up your day, don't think about homelessness, think about beautiful public art," Zokaites said.
Jamie Smith said the arts are near and dear to his heart. One of his sons is a musical theater major in Nebraska, and he himself is a musician, singer and actor who's served on the city's visual arts commission.
"I believe an investment in the arts is an investment in our community," Smith said. "We’re an active community in Sioux Falls. I love that we are sports-oriented, but also, I believe the arts are right up there and should be not second to but equal to when it comes to those opportunities."
Greg Jamison admits that arts isn't in his wheelhouse, personally, but he does see that art adds to the community "in all kinds of ways."
"Support from the city has probably been really good just because it makes sense for the entire city to look good and be enhanced and have opportunities," Jamison said.
Christine Erickson said the arts are important to the community and bring people into the community – as well as other events.
"It’s definitely a balance on making sure that we are lifting up our arts community, but also making sure it’s a balance with all things considered."
Joe Batcheller said he'd like to see how the arts and culture master plan plays out before he takes a solid policy position. He also noted that other cities have taken an approach of requiring developers to dedicate a certain dollar amount to arts when they build new projects, but he's not sure if that would "fly" in Sioux Falls.
"We have some fantastic arts here in Sioux Falls – just amazing cultural outlets and opportunities for people to take in from the Washington Pavilion to Levitt at the Falls," Batcheller said. "We’ve got a really good foundation as far as that goes. SculptureWalk is amazing. I think that we’ll continue to invest as a community into some of those arts and culture institutions."
