No budget, no problem

City looks to art for revenue

Cooper City has neither outdoor sculptures nor much money in the coffers for public art.

But it does have creativity, and that might be the key to solving a desire for a prettier city.

“Artwork can cost a nice chunk of change, but there is a way to have it without paying for it,” said Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi.

She wants to beautify the eight square-mile city by using art, at no cost to the city, as a potential revenue generator to pay for smallscale cultural or parks projects.

While the details of her proposal have not been finalized, Mallozzi said she envisions it benefiting the city, artists and business owners.

The artists would pay a minimal one-time display fee. Because the city doesn’t have a downtown area, the sculptures would be displayed near businesses. The artwork would be offered for sale by the artists and a small percentage of any sale would be paid to the city.

Local artists from high schools and the city’s neighborhoods would be encouraged to participate.

“It would be a win-win situation in which the artists would get exposure and the city would get free art and money for certain projects,” Mallozzi said. “And it would attract customers to businesses.”

She said the artwork could become a walking or driving tour and she’s working with the city’s Business Advisory Board to spark support.

“I’d like to see it happen. I think it would be terrific and help beautify the community,” said Steven Corn,