ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager with a Request to Accept an Offer from the AFRICAN AMERICAN HALL OF FAME to Lend the City, for Placement at the Corner of State Street and Washington Street, a Statue of RICHARD PRYOR. (1st Council District)
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BACKGROUND: The African American Hall of Fame has commissioned local artist Preston Jackson to create a bronze sculpture depicting and honoring legendary Peoria comedian Richard Pryor. More information on the project can be found here: www.facebook.com/RichardPryorSculptureProject. The statue is about 71/2 feet tall and would be mounted on a 4 foot tall pedestal.
Over the past few weeks, the committee working on this project has been investigating potential locations for installation. They have formally offered to lend the City the statue for installation at the corner of State Street and Washington Street. A copy of the group's offer as well as a location map is attached. This location was identified within the Warehouse District street projects as a "pocket park" and an area set aside for a public art installation. The placement of this statue has been reviewed by City staff, which found no issues with the idea.
The African American Hall of Fame is seeking Council approval for this location so that it can begin its fundraising campaign. The hope would be to raise the necessary funds so that the piece could be installed later in 2014.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None. The African American Hall of Fame has pledged to raise all of the funds necessary to commission and install this art work. All maintenance will be paid for by the group, as well as any repairs from damage or vandalism. As an installment in the public right-of-way, any liability stemming from the statue's placement would be covered by the City's liability insurance. This coverage does not include the cost of any repairs to the statue.
The installation will increase pedestrian traffic in the area and the ov...
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