By K.D. Norris
The City of Kentwood, after city Commission approval in January, amended its zoning ordinance to allow for evaluation and approval of outdoor public art displays within the city.
The amendment also establishes the Kentwood Arts Commission, which, according to the city, is tasked with “reviewing and approving venues” within the community. The Arts Commission will also be responsible for determining whether or not outdoor art display venues are permitted under city guidelines.
“Art is a valuable component in creating a vibrant community,” Terry Schweitzer, community development director, said to WKTV. “As we continue to grow as a city, we wanted to be sure there is a process in place to support public art venues. We hope that this new ordinance will serve as a catalyst to bring public art to our diverse group of residents.”
The changes to city zoning, approved by city Commission action at its regular meeting on Jan. 16, amends an ordinance which now covers art galleries, art display venues, and public art — with public art being defined as being “publicly-owned art and memorials, artistic enhancement of public infrastructure, temporary art exhibitions or displays on public property.”
The current members of the Arts Commission are Schweitzer, City Commissioner Betsy Artz and community members Jerry DeMaagd and Clarkston Morgan. The Commission will have their first official meeting in the coming weeks, according to the city.
There is a opening for one more community member on the Arts Commission. Qualifications for the position, according to the city, are that the person lives and/or works in the City of Kentwood and he or she should have an interest in art. Anyone interested can learn more and apply at kentwood.us/city .
The entire approved ordinance can be read as part of the city Commission’s informational packet for the Jan. 16, 2018 meeting. (It is several pages down in the .pdf package.)
