Councilman backs away from suggestion to cut city funding for Newport Civic Center sculptures

The Newport Beach City Council this week reaffirmed its dedication to arts funding.

Funding for arts in Newport Beach was in a precarious position recently with Councilman Scott Peotter’s suggestion that the city reassess spending for a display of sculptures in Civic Center Park.

But Peotter said Tuesday that though he had fun “poking fun at some of the artwork,” he decided to move away from his proposal to cut city funding for the sculpture project after he spoke to arts commissioners about their fundraising efforts.

The Arts Commission oversaw installation in the past year of 10 modern-art sculptures in the park, to the chagrin of some residents who were unhappy with the look of some of the pieces.

In the months leading to last fall’s election in which Peotter won his council seat, concrete rabbit statues installed last year at the park became symbols to Peotter and his three running mates — known collectively as “Team Newport” — of wasteful spending by city officials.

After winning his seat, Peotter began to take issue with the cost of displaying the sculptures in the park, especially those that aren’t appealing to some residents.

The city has spent about $135,000 on the park sculpture project, including a planned second phase, according to city officials.

Peotter proposed that instead of asking the council to provide funding for future pieces, the Arts Commission should seek private funding from residents or business owners.

Members of the commission and arts foundation board who spoke during a council study session Tuesday emphasized the importance of receiving city funds in addition to their efforts with private fundraising.

“The sculptures have really, in my opinion, helped enliven the park and helped attract people to that space,” Commissioner Robert Smith said. “If we were to stop this project in midcourse, I think it would send a very negative message to artists and other people interested in arts and culture about the priority and value we place on that in our city.”

In response to the city’s green light, the Arts Commission said Thursday that it is accepting entries for 10 additional sculptures to be placed in Civic Center Park between Avocado Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard. The sculptures are expected to be added in August and remain for two years. Applications are being accepted at CallForEntry.org. The deadline is May 6.

Council members Tuesday also reviewed a draft list of the city’s 10 arts-related priorities, also called the arts master plan. A finalized document is expected to go before the council for approval at a future meeting.

Some members of the council spoke in favor of hiring an arts professional to oversee implementation of the master plan.

“I say we have a staff position that will take the 10 priorities here and mold them into a grand vision,” Councilman Tony Petros said.