Neighborhood Art Provides Positive Local Focus

Solo actor (just us on this project!)

Fabricate and install neighborhood sculptures that all cultures, races and income levels can connect with and take pride in.

Yes (benefits a region of LA County)

Six to ten metal sculptures will be placed in neighborhoods with the intent to enhance public spaces and introduce art into a culture that is otherwise barren of community-based art. The unveiling will BBQ be proceeded by a Community BBQ and Family oriented entertainment. The project illustrates that art can be a source of pride for the community and will serve as a landmark for conversation and neighborhood identification. A pilot project has been initiated at 58th and Broadway where a Rubik's Cube metal sculpture has been installed. The public acceptance and positive reception has encouraged this application for funds. The fact that the sculpture has not been vandalized is testament to high public regard for the art.

Specific site selection for the sculpture locations will be coordinated with District 9 representatives and local leaders in small groups at face to face meetings. An initial site will be based on visibility, site suitability, and safety. The potential sculpture themes will be developed by Conant-Moran Design and Fabrication. The Sculptures will be designed, fabricated and installed by Conant-Moran Inc.. The themes for the sculptures will be contemporary and will be readily recognized as things the community recognizes. Potential sculptures include Nintendo controller, Etch-a-sketch, Lego Man, Jacks, Light Bright, Tetris and similar ideas. The sculpture are approximately 10 times actual size. Implementation is not complex. The decisions needed are straight forward. Fabrication of the metal structures is a one person job. It is important that this application does not imply more complexity than there will be.

Presently, there is an obvious lack of public art and likewise lack of appreciation of art. The grantee has experimented with placement of artistic pieces in public areas and has noted the inquisitiveness, attention, and curiosity of those who live and work in the neighborhood. Revitalization of a neighborhood must include instilling or creating pride in the neighborhood. The sculpture pieces are intended to be the focal point of neighborhood pride. The sculptures are intended as a seed for the future. Any change in the culture of a community is preceded by a change in the environment. A piece of art occupying a small space can have a big role in changing perspectives of individuals who otherwise may not have their artistic inquisitiveness piqued. Whether someone is walking by, riding by in a personal vehicle or mass transit, or on a bike or skate board, a glance which captures an art piece can transform thoughts from day to day concerns to "what if". The sculptures are being presented as a first step and not an end-all. We cannot pretend to predict the future, but we can guide the change by contributing positive changed to the urban environment. Installing a simple piece of art on a street corner has changed one neighborhood at Broadway and 58th, and can be replicated to change more communities. Like the story of the person throwing small starfish into the ocean, small action, but it makes a big difference to the starfish.

The project is intended to benefit those who live and work in the community. The benefits are quality of life issues that are improved by positive changes to the environment. Those positively affected by the addition of art to the environment runs the gamut from old to young, male and female, business owner to the unemployed, rich and poor. Any positive change in the environment or culture directly or indirectly changes things for the good - for everyone.

The installation of sculptures will plant the seed for others to initiate artistic endeavors thy otherwise would not attempt. the installation of ANY public art in these deprived neighborhoods is a significant gain in the artistic availability to the community.

At a minimum a sculpture can be completed and installed every 1 1/2 to 2 months. This schedule is acceptable to the artist.