[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Amherst 10-19-1998 by L.L. No. 9-1998. Amendments noted where applicable. For additional information regarding 2010, 2011 and 2012 state local law numbers, refer to the Disposition List at the end of this volume.]
It is hereby found that public art and culture improve the health, safety, general welfare and quality of life for the citizens of the Town of Amherst. It is further found that provision of the opportunity to view, listen to, touch, otherwise enjoy and/or participate in musical concerts, dance and ballet recitals, art exhibits, theater, comedy and other forms of cultural, historical and literary displays is a valid and proper local government object and purpose. It is therefore determined and declared to be the policy of the Town of Amherst to promote public art and culture within the Town and to collaborate and cooperate with various and appropriate individuals, groups, associations, organizations and institutions concerned with arts and culture to promote, ensure and enhance the function, object and mission of arts and culture in the Town.
[Amended 12-12-2011 by L.L. No. 28-2011]
There shall be and hereby is created and established an Arts and Culture in Public Places Board of the Town of Amherst. It shall consist of nine (9) members, each member appointed by the Town Board. Each member shall serve a three (3) year term commencing at the biannual town reorganization meeting, with the exception of the first such Board, which shall be appointed forthwith after the adoption of this chapter, and shall serve until the next following biannual town reorganization meeting. The terms of the members are to be staggered to prevent the entire Board from overturning at one time. Existing membership terms are to be adjusted to have the terms of three (3) members expire on 12/31/2011, the terms of two (2) members expire on 12/31/2012 and the terms of two (2) members expire on 12/31/2013. Board members are limited to serving three (3) consecutive terms. Said members shall be representative of the performing and fine arts, and cultural endeavor and experience. In making such appointments, the Supervisor and members of the Town Board shall give due consideration to the recommendations made by recognized and representative local, civic, educational, arts and cultural associations, organizations and groups that are concerned with or engaged in the production and/or presentation of the various and diverse forms of art and culture. The Arts and Culture in Public Places Board shall select its own Chair, establish its own rules of operation and procedure and meeting times, except that such Board will regularly meet in the Town of Amherst Municipal Building, and shall meet no less than once in every two (2) calendar months.
The Arts and Culture in Public Places Board shall promote, stimulate, encourage and coordinate the voluntary exhibition and presentation of arts and culture in all their varied and diverse forms at and in all the appropriate public buildings and facilities owned and operated by the Town of Amherst, throughout the calendar year; encourage public sculpture, murals, collages, monuments and other appropriate public art forms in commercial and industrial developments, in and along public highways, buildings, facilities and places that will serve to commemorate Town history, and establish appropriate and distinguishing landmarks for the future; promote contests and competitions to enhance the development and growth of public arts and culture; and make appropriate recommendations in the development process concerning the visual aspects of the environment, and other elements and considerations relative to arts and culture in public places.
This chapter shall take effect immediately.