17-41 RESOLUTION 17-41
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE ARTS
WHEREAS, the Town of Taos has long been known as an historical center for the
creative arts and as an art colony and an incubator for world class artists; and
WHEREAS, the Town believes that the arts play a vital role in our history, cultural and
economy, as well as our quality of life; and
WHEREAS, the Town wishes to preserve and enhance this diverse mutlti-cultural
tradition, honoring and supporting all forms of art, from the pottery and weavings of the
first Puebloans, the art of hand carving Santos, to the works of the Taos Society of
Artists, to our numerous galleries and studios, to the contemporary Taos Fall Arts
Festival and Paseo; and
WHEREAS, the Town realizes that changes in market economics, the affordability of
housing, gallery and studio space, changes in technology and current zoning and other
regulations can all impact the success of local artists and the desirability of Taos to
artists; and
WHEREAS, the Town believes that local government can and should therefore play a
role in identifying and removing obstacles to the economic and creative success and
growth of the arts and our artists;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE
TOWN OF TAOS:
1. The Mayor and Council direct staff to identify ways in which the Town can assist the
non-profit, public and private arts sectors to become more vibrant and successful and
to provide the Council with a preliminary report no later than September 30`h, 2017.
Resolution 17-41 Page 1 of 3
2. The Mayor and Council direct staff to study the need for and practicality of
developing an "art market", similar to the Town sponsored farmers market, as an
outlet for the promotion and sale of art developed by local artists.
3. The Mayor and Council direct staff to identify public properties and policies that can
be utilized or utilized more effectively to promote the display and sale of locally
produced art in conjunction with the concept of an art market, art and craft fairs, art
walks, an art cooperative or other publicly assisted venues and events.
4. The Mayor and Council, consistent with the attached Proclamation of the Town,
direct staff and legal counsel to draft an Ordinance for consideration by Council no
later than the October Regular Meeting of the Council declaring the Town's support
for public art (art in public places) as well as the creation of a municipal art advisory
council or committee to advise the Town with regards to the selection or approval of
public art, as well as to advise the Mayor and Council on art-related policies and
programs that can support and enhance the presence and viability of the arts in Taos.
5. The Mayor and Council direct staff to research and implement the revitalization of
the Taos Arts and Cultural District (TACD) and to seek the support of the State of
New Mexico in this effort and the possible securing of an official "Main Street"
designation for the TACD.
6. The Mayor and Council direct staff to examine mechanisms by which the Town,
directly or through private or non-profit intermediaries such as ArtSpace, can address
the need for affordable, live-work, and workforce housing and affordable studio,
performance and gallery space for artists and art-related activities, including the
possibility of an arts incubator and to report back to Council no later than October the
October Regular Meeting of the Council.
7. The Mayor and Council direct that all public properties should be examined for the
display and/or sale of art by local artists, including:
a.) Town Hall: Art shall be continued to be displayed and offered for sale for free
through curated exhibits by the Taos Arts Council.
b.) Council Chambers: The Town will make available hallway and meeting room
space for the display and sale of work by local artists and the monthly display of a
work of art in Council Chambers highlighting a local artist.
Resolution 17-41 Page 2 of 3
c.) The Taos Visitors Center: The Town will continue the policy of allowing any
local artists to display their art for sale and to include contact information with
regards to their studio, gallery or other ways they can be reached. The Town will
consider setting aside an area were the displaying artists can have a catalog or
portfolio available of their other works not being displayed.
d.) The Town will create an opportunity for local artists to display and sell their art
during Town-sponsored concerts and events at Kit Carson and Baca Park.
e.) The Town will examine and revise its art and crafts show policy to require either
a minimum percentage of the art sold or all art sold to be by or for the benefit of
local artists and local organizations.
f.) The Town will identify and procure or make available a potential Town-owned
location (park, parking lot, etc.) for seasonal or weekly arts market, should it be
determined that such a need and sufficient interest exist.
g.) The Town will work with the TCA and the Arts Council to examine the
possibility of more frequent shows of local art, as well as to work with the County
on the potential use of the Old County Courthouse as a venue for an art incubator,
studio rental, art shows and art sales by local artists.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED, this 25th day of July, 2017, at the Regular Meeting of
the Town Council by the following vote:
Mayor Pro Tern Nathaniel Evans absent
Councilmember Darien Fernandez yes
Councilmember George "Fritz" Hahn yes
Councilmember Judith Cantu yes
TOWN OF TAOS
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