INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis City-County Council recently approved a “percent for the arts” ordinance that would require developers receiving tax-increment financing (TIF) funding to set aside one percent of their incentives to commission public art. The cost would be a credit toward the requirements; if they don’t include art in developments, they would have to pay into an arts fund which would be set aside for art projects or events around the city. At least half of the money would have to be spent in low income neighborhoods.
The ordinance was sponsored by east side Councilman Blake Johnson, along with Leroy Robinson. The proposal passed 17-7 and was signed into law on May 12.
