Monday, April 2, 2012

Statement by The Honorable Charles R. Samuels - Regarding the Art 180 displays on Monument Avenue

RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
Richmond City Council – Richmond City Hall - 900 E. Broad Street, Suite 200 - Richmond, VA 23219 - www.council.richmondva.gov

COUNCIL PUBLIC INFORMATION NEWS ADVISORY
IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO BE FORWARDED AND SHARED
Monday, April 2, 2012

A statement by
The Honorable Charles R. Samuels, Councilman, Richmond City Council, North Central 2nd District

Regarding the Art 180 displays on Monument Avenue

(Richmond, Virginia U.S.A.) - “Like so many Richmonders, I was surprised to hear the issues about the Art 180 displays on Monument Avenue. I have always supported and appreciated the work Art 180 has done around the city -- including these great pieces on Monument Avenue.

To be clear: Richmond City Council has absolutely no authority to issue or revoke any permits within the city. The current issues with the permits arose when a constituent recently asked me how long the displays would be on the medians. In looking into the answer for that question, it appears that there were crossed wires within the Administration regarding the permitting procedure as they considered the timing of this art installation and any overlap with next weekend's Easter on Parade, which uses the same medians that feature the art displays for vendors, children's activities, and foot traffic. I want to avoid having any of these great displays lost, damaged, or overlooked while this event is going on.

I support Art 180's project and I think it is very unfortunate that there has been so much confusion. I have offered Art180 my services to work with them, the Administration or anyone else to make sure this wonderful art is proudly displayed on Monument Avenue & to ensure we find a resolution to this problem that works for everyone."


CONTACT For more information, please contact Councilman Charles R. Samuels, at 804.646.6532; or by email, at charles.samuels@richmondgov.com.



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______________________________________
Steven R. Skinner, APR
Council Public Information Manager
RICHMOND CITY COUNCIL
OFFICE OF THE COUNCIL CHIEF OF STAFF
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
804.646.6052 (office)
804.335.4054 (mobile)
804.937.1386 (home/mobile)
804.646.5468 (fax)
steven.skinner@richmondgov.com (email)
www.council.richmondva.gov(website)
____________________________________________

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