Art in Cupertino is poised to receive increased financial support due to the growing developments throughout the city.
The Cupertino Arts and Culture Commission unanimously suggested modifications to the city’s art in-lieu fee program on Monday, aiming to promote various types of public art. The proposed changes to the program would enable developers to contribute 1% of the construction valuation as an in-lieu fee towardsart in the cityInstead of offering art on location, the policy would also remove language that strongly advised developers against paying an in-lieu fee rather than supplying artwork. The modifications might broaden the policy to permit fees to be used for more than just tangible art, such as scholarships.
Any new development that is 10,000 square feet or larger must contribute to the city’s art initiatives, as per the current policy. The proposed changes would affect this requirement. The Planning Commission and City Council must examine the changes before they can take effect, but the goal is to enhance the fund’s adaptability to promote more art throughout the city.
Commission Chair Kiran Varshneya Rohra stated that if approved, the modifications would enable Cupertino to exceed its current efforts in aiding local artists, such as the three annual artist awards.
“We’re all really thrilled that we can now support or grow more art and culture events in our neighborhood, thanks to the possibility of extra funding,” Varshneya Rohra said to San José Spotlight.
The suggested modifications arrive at a moment when new developments are emerging throughout Cupertino as the city strives to fulfill its state-mandated housing requirements, which necessitate it to constructnearly 5,000new homes by 2031. Approved projects in recent times include59 townhomes and 136 homesin a senior living community located near Stevens Creek Boulevard.
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Steve Lynch, head of planning and approvals forSand Hill Property Company, he mentioned that he couldn’t discuss Cupertino’s specific plans, but art in-lieu fees are usually beneficial for development as they provide more flexibility than a “one size fits all” approach. He noted that art in-lieu fees don’t often accelerate the development process, but they are advantageous due to the payment options available.
Lynch mentioned that the money gathered from developers tends to result in more considered works by artists who are in danger of being unable to afford to stay in the area.
At the end of the day, if a developer hires an artist to create a piece of art, it often doesn’t have any link to the location, the city, or any regional connection,” he said to San José Spotlight. “That’s what’s known as plop art, which some people might like, but not many do.
Cupertino established its public art program guidelines in 2005. Since then, neighboring cities have also introduced a comparable fee alternative, such as Sunnyvale, Los Gatos, and Palo Alto.
The modifications might benefit local artists such as Janki Chokshi, president of the Fine Arts League of Cupertino and a watercolor and colored pencil artist with over two decades of experience. She mentioned that it’s a “win-win” scenario for artists and the community, particularly for children raised in one of Silicon Valley’s technology hubs who are more inclined to be urged towards STEM fields.
It is crucial for a student or a child to develop in a well-rounded manner,” Chokshi said to San José Spotlight. “Therefore, art and culture must be part of the community.
Rohra Varshneya stated that the opportunities for art are limitless if the policy changes are approved.
Now we can envision launching a new initiative,” she remarked. “It might extend beyond the visual arts, perhaps into theater. It could even be… photography. This is an environment that presents an opportunity which could advantage our community, particularly the youth.
Reach out to Annalise Freimarck via [email protected] or follow her@annalise_ellen on X.
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