Oklahoma Art In Public Places Gets The Axe

NewsOn6.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Art got the axe Wednesday as Governor Mary Fallin signed a new bill into law. House Bill 1665 calls for the end of the Art in Public Places Act that has been in place for the past three years.

The act set aside a total of $3.4 million to be spent on public art as part of various public building projects, according to the Oklahoma Historical Society. Some of the most visible art projects can be seen on Oklahoma highway bridges and overpasses.

3/9/2011 Related Story: House Votes To Suspend Oklahoma Law Requiring Agencies To Spend Money On Art

"While we all appreciate the aesthetic and cultural value art can bring to public building projects, it's not appropriate to set aside millions of dollars for public art when the state is facing a $500 million budget deficit," Fallin said.

"By suspending the Art in Public Places Act, we will be able to save tax dollars by reducing the overall costs of public building projects for the immediate future."

The new law suspends the art requirements for state agencies during fiscal years 2012-14.

Oklahoma Impact Team Story on Art in Public Places: Oklahoma Law Requires Agencies To Spend Money On Art