Bloomington City Council Approves Public Arts Commission

BLOOMINGTON-Ill. – Last night the Bloomington City Council was presented with the Public Arts Commission ordinance again. This topic was delayed after council members had questions about their funding for this project.

If approved, a seven person commission would be created to oversee all art put in public spaces in Bloomington.

Three council members still had the same doubts and questions carried from the initial discussion about funding for this ordinance. Council Member Joni Painter said that while she supports the arts and has a son who is an artist, she can not get on board with this.

“First off, we’re in the midst of a pandemic,” said Painter. “Our economy is shrinking, and we’re not fleshed with cash right now.”

Council members Bray and Boelen had similar views to Painter. However, Council Member Jenn Carillo said they can not keep pushing it off. She reminded the council that approving this ordinance did not commit them to any amount of money.

“We can’t keep saying that this something we value, and it’s so important and then not be willing to put any money behind it,” said Carillo. “Just imagine any other thing that we would say as a city we really care. We really care about mental health, but we don’t want to spend a nickel.”

After further discussion, the council did approve the Public Arts Commission with a 6-3 vote.