Sure, a private donor is paying for this, but the maintenance and operation of this installation is on the taxpayers, it also sits on the Pavilion’s property (owned by taxpayers).
During the informational meeting today the director of the Pavilion announced that they got a private donation for an art installation project on the Pavilion’s outdoor property, which I will say is AWESOME and something the Pavilion should have done on day one! So, I support it. In theory.
What I don’t support is leaving the public out of this decision.
So how is it the director of the Pavilion can make such an announcement with ZERO engagement from the public, the city council, the arts community and lastly the folks who fund your purple palace?
Maybe all this happened, but I doubt it.
Massive privately funded art installations: Good. Not bringing the public along in this project: Bad
Public art only works if the PUBLIC participates in it.