ANAHEIM : Bold Public Art Sought for Arena

From gigantic sculpture to dramatic lighting, city officials are looking for an “international identity” in public art for their new new sports arena.

In a presentation before the City Council on Tuesday, a citizens’ advisory committee said the arena represents another landmark structure for the city and demands a “signature artwork” with a “bold statement.”

Chris Jarvi, the city’s parks director and arena art coordinator, said artists for the arena project could be hired by next month and drawings submitted to the City Council by September.

About $540,000 has been budgeted for the public art. The money was raised in the initial sales of revenue bonds for the $140-million arena.

“The environment calls for a bold statement,” committee members stated in a report submitted Tuesday to the council. “The arena is not a setting for contemplative work but rather for work that is compatible with the activities and atmosphere associated with most entertainment programs.”

The budget also includes plans for interior art pieces, which Jarvi said might include mementos donated by future arena performers.

City officials said the arena is now 40% complete and is scheduled to open in the summer of 1993. No announcements have been made about professional basketball or hockey franchises, which officials are hoping to lure as major tenants.

Officials said 16 of the planned 82 luxury suites in the arena have already been sold. Prices of the suites without professional teams range from $36,000 per year to $68,000 per year. With professional teams as tenants, the price ranges from $60,000 to $108,000 per year. A model suite recently has been completed at Anaheim Stadium and is scheduled for opening tonight.