City Creates Hoover Arts Council

HOOVER, AL - The importance of a vibrant arts community in any municipality has been well-documented by civics experts, and Hoover is addressing that issue. The city council has created the Hoover Arts Council, aimed at furthering the arts in Hoover.

A report by the Hoover Sun said the council is holding its second meeting this Wednesday, Aug. 8, at the Hoover Municipal Center. The meeting is open to the public, and the council wants to hear ideas, particularly from artists, about what the group can do to help, Chairwoman Paulette Pearson said.

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Pearson said she fears that artists are going to leave Hoover and go to other nearby cities if the arts community is not supported. Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato proposed the building of a fine arts center for the city in his tax increase proposal in June.

Pearson said she realizes there is no money currently available to build a performing arts center - which Brocato said would cost roughly $23 million to build and $1 million annually to operate - but added that she hopes the city can work cooperatively with the school system to build such a facility.

Photo by Michael Seale/Patch