MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 22, 2009

CONTACT:

Phil Nameny, City Planner

503-823-7709

pnameny@ci.portland.or.us

Original Art Murals Project Goes Before City Council

WHAT: City Council to review and vote on Planning Commission’s recommendation on a new permitting process for murals that makes it easier for artists to create original art murals

WHEN: Wednesday, June 24, 2 p.m. (time certain)

WHERE: Council Chambers, City Hall

WHO: City staff will present the background and benefits of the project. Muralists/artists and representatives from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) will be on hand to answer questions.

WHY: In the past, murals have been treated the same way as commercial signs and, therefore, have had to comply with restrictive standards that have inhibited their display. The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is proposing a new process that allows murals to be permitted separately from sign regulations or from the RACC Public Art program. Original art murals meeting specific definitions and placement requirements will be allowed through a new mural permit, which will be administered through the Bureau of Development Services (BDS) in their Development Services Center. This review will not be based on the content of the mural, so as to protect existing rights of free speech.

BDS plans to hold an open house on the administrative rules governing the procedures on July 13, 2009, and the new program should become effective in August. Readers should check back to the website for confirmation of these dates.

For more information on this project go to:  http://tinyurl.com/muralsproject or contact Phil Nameny at 503-823-7709 or pnameny@ci.portland.or.us.

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