Phoenix takes step toward requiring art in large private developments

The city of Phoenix is beginning the process to require publicly accessible art be included large private developments across the city.

The proposed Art in Private Development Ordinance would emulate similar ordinances in cities around the country — including Scottsdale and Tempe — that require an amount be spent on public-facing artworks relative to the development’s size.

Public Arts Director Mitch Menchaca told the Phoenix Economic Development and the Arts Subcommittee on Tuesday that staff can bring a first ordinance draft back to subcommittee in the spring after receiving input from the arts community.

The sculpture “A Path for Water” by Barbara Grygutis is shown at Sixth Street and Butler Drive in Phoenix. (Courtesy city of Phoenix)

Scottsdale requires 1% of a development’s bui