The city’s proposal to put artwork along the Los Angeles River is one of 12 projects under final consideration for $1 million grants from Bloomberg Philanthropies, officials said Friday.
Los Angeles officials propose to commission five large artworks and several smaller ones — highlighting water-conservation themes — to be placed along the river. Artist Marc Pally, who directed the Glow event in Santa Monica, would curate the project.
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge grant would “provide us an opportunity to harness the current enthusiasm on revitalizing the Los Angeles River,” said Councilman Mitch O’Farrell, whose district includes parts of the 51-mile-long river.
“The unique neighborhoods that touch the banks of the river will benefit greatly from the work by local artists who are improving the look and feel of five communities along our urban waterway.”
At least three grant winners — each receiving $1 million — will be announced in May. The funds would serve as seed money, and winning cities will be required to complete the projects in 24 months.
Cities with more than 30,000 residents were eligible to apply for the grants, with more than 230 cities submitting proposals.
The other finalists include Albuquerque, Boston, Chicago, Des Moines and cities in New York state, Georgia, South Carolina and Michigan.