Most people would agree that every work of art contains elements of beauty; they would also agree that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. For those of us living in Ann Arbor, the issue at hand is another classic question: what’s the price of beauty – and can we, as a community, afford it?

A few weeks ago, German artist and landscape architect Herbert Dreiseitl presented a proposal for a modern artistic installation to grace the new police and courts building, currently under construction. The design was was well received, but the presentation capped a debate which has been ongoing since 2007. At that time, the city of Ann Arbor decided to earmark one percent of all funds for capital improvement projects (costing $100,000 or more) for public art. Although the fund, called Percent for Art, limits payment to Dreiseitl to $700,000, some Ann Arbor residents believe that those monies could (and should) be put to far better use.

The proposed three-part sculpture is designed to incorporate storm water from the building’s roof, and to honor nature in the midst of a predominantly steel and concrete landscape. One  concern lies in Dreiseitl’s stated wish to use only local materials and local artisans to construct the project; residents want assurance that he will do just that. Another regards the electricity drain to keep the sculpture functioning.

A more pressing issue, however, is that such a project is being funded at all. Percent for Art does not draw on the city’s general fund, which is currently suffering from a multi million dollar budget deficit that has created both layoffs and cutbacks in essential public services. Yet the spending, in and of itself, is seen by many as being inappropriate, given the financial straits within the general fund. Art may feed the soul,but when people are unemployed,the roads needs fixing,and the budget is out of whack, citizens question the priorities.

On the other hand, Drieseitl’s proposal was met by many with enthusiasm. The Ann Arbor Film Festival’s Executive Director, Donald Harrison, noted that, “Working with the open space as a way for people to engage around art is exciting. I don’t see a lot of that in Ann Arbor right now, as far as places where you are going to get together and be in the same space around art,” he said.

Whether you’d like to sit back and enjoy the art of Ann Arbor, or jump into the discussion of public spending with both feet, let Martin Bouma – your Ann Arbor neighborhood expert – help you find your perfect niche. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, the Bouma Group can answer all of your questions about real estate in Ann Arbor. Check out our Condo Hotline for locations downtown, and throughout the Ann Arbor condominium market. If you’re interested in Washtenaw County, Saline, or a specific Ann Arbor neighborhood, call the Bouma Group today!