Arts Commission Approved By Alpharetta City Council

ALPHARETTA, GA — The Alpharetta City Council voted last week to form an arts commission to help arts and culture grow and thrive in the City of Alpharetta.

The motion was approved with Councilman Johns Hipes in opposition.

Alpharetta Director of Recreation, parks and cultural services, Morgan Rodgers spoke to the city council Sept. 21 and said that, "along with supporting art and cultural initiatives throughout the year, the cultural arts commission would advise the city council on art acquisition, promote strategic arts planning, and support local art leader groups in Alpharetta."

The cultural arts commission will consist of seven members, with each of the mayor and council having one appointment. The mayor and council may also appoint up to two alternate members for the commission to serve in the absence of commission members.

Councilman Ben Burnett said, "the commission will advise the city on arts projects and initiatives around town. They will also make recommendations on strategy and character with the residents in mind."

"One of the reasons this commission was important to me was so residents could have a voice in the projects around our city," Burnett said. "I am grateful to serve you because Alpharetta is an idealistically lead community. It's one of the things that makes you special.

"If you wish to serve in my appointed role I'd ask you to email me at bburnett@alpharetta.ga.us. I am grateful to represent each of you in the city that we each call home. Thank you for participating and your interest in serving our community. Together, we are moving Alpharetta forward."

The duties of the cultural arts commission include:

• Reviews and recommends the acquisition of all works of art by the city, either purchase, gift or otherwise
• Reviews and make recommendations as needed for pieces to be acquired and their proposed locations
• Reviews and encourages programs for the cultural enrichment of the city
• Reviews and recommends guidelines for art and culture contract programs that support community art and culture programming projects and may make annual funding recommendations to the city council
• Proposes methods to encourage private initiative in arts and culture
• May advise city council regarding the participation in or sponsoring by the city of artistic performances, programs, or other cultural endeavors
• May advise city council on the preservation and care of all cultural landmarks owned by the city and on the design and location of city owned or other statuary and works of art
• Support and strengthen existing local organizations in the arts and culture fields
• Increases public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of cultural activities and all forms of art and culture
• Advises and assists with the development of an art and culture master plan for the city