How we got here
The origins of the city’s art project can be traced back to the City Council's approval of the first Public Art Plan on Dec. 20, 2016, according to City Council agenda documents.
The plan was the result of extensive community engagement efforts, including an online survey, round table discussions, community presentations, stakeholder meetings and a town hall presentation.
The details
Designed to celebrate the local community, “Natural Rhythm” features hand-cut tiles that depict natural landscapes and the region's diverse wildlife, according to city officials.
The mural showcases an array of native birds, including a mockingbird, a cardinal, an American white ibis and a yellow-crowned night heron, as well as Muscovy ducks, a red-eared slider and a monarch butterfly amid native purple cone flowers and black-eyed Susans.
The Impact
The new city program, a beautification initiative through murals and city-funded art pieces, has already created a total of 21 public art installations, eight of which were completed after the program’s establishment in 2016, according to city documents.
"This public art project represents the continued implementation of our Public Art Program,” said Suzanne Gray, Sugar Land Cultural Arts manager. “It not only enhances the beauty of Sugar Land, but it builds our reputation as an art and cultural destination.”
The cost
The funding for the "Natural Rhythm" mural and the Brooks Street Bridge project, totaling $59,500, was made possible through the support of the Sugar Land 4B Corp. The corporation used sales tax revenue earmarked specifically for promoting economic development activities and enhancing the quality of life in the city.
No property tax dollars were used for this art installation, according to city documents.
Quote of note
“Our Public Art Plan is designed to support our community on several levels such as helping businesses attract more customers, provide work for local artists and beautify our city for residents and visitors. People don't always think of the arts as an impact economic driver, but it is,” Gray said.
