Calgary's public art policy: ACAD president Daniel Doz weighs in

Calgary community leaders and artlovers have spoken out against Ward 14Coun.Peter Demong's proposal toput thecity's public art program on hold for one year.

Demong says his proposal wouldsave the city $2-4 million andshow Calgarians that council has the right priorities in this time of economic stress.

"What's more important?" Demong asked."To do the infrastructure that the city is supposed to do,build bridges and roads and other things,or to do what I consider to be a luxury?"

"I can still have a city if I don't have the newest ...art."

Alberta College of Art and DesignpresidentDaniel Doz countered on the Calgary EyeopenerFriday that art is not a luxury, but a necessity and an economic benefit to the city.

"I would argue that you need to invest more in the arts than actually cut it," he said.

Doz said he's worried that if city council putspublic art on hold, it may never come back.

He also said ifDemong'smotion passes, it will send the wrong message.

"I think it sends a clear message that we don't value our arts and our culture. I think when you talk to corporations, one of the key things they are looking at in attracting new talent is how do you bring the family in, what are the amenities that you provide?," he said.

"And public art is not the key one, it's a component of it and we have to look at all these pieces in relation to each other."

Coun. PeterDemong'smotion to suspend the city's public art policy isset to be presented to council on Monday.

Calgariansalso joined the debate on Twitter to defend the need for public art even during economic downturns.