The nonprofit Arts Alliance has released the results of an Ann Arbor City Council candidate survey about arts and culture.
Both challengers hoping to oust incumbent council members stated they want to see the city invest in public art in ways that include reaching out to more local artists.
"I believe that we can bring back support for public art by selecting smaller-budget projects that are in accessible locations, include a more robust public engagement process, and promote greater outreach to local artists," said Grand, a self-described arts supporter and selection committee member for a public art project planned for Argo Cascades.
"I'm also in support of exploring private-public partnerships to fund art, as well as providing funding for temporary art and festivals," Grand added in her survey response.
Eaton wrote in his survey response that he would seek ways to fund public art that allow the city to give preference to local art.
"I believe that we can form public-private partnerships (like was used to preserve the Michigan Theater) to finance projects by local artists," he said. "I would pursue the idea that some large capital projects should have art included ('baked-in') from the inception."
The incumbents, who recently voted in favor of a major overhaul of the city's public art program, did not respond to the survey.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.