In a recent government meeting, officials discussed budget adjustments for the Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition (ODSE) and the Phoenix Awards, aiming to streamline costs while maintaining support for local artists. The proposal includes reducing the number of featured artists from eight to five, which would save approximately $7,000. Additionally, the budget for the Phoenix Awards ceremony is set to be halved to $3,000.

Concerns were raised regarding the cost and practicality of name plaques for the sculptures, which often get stolen. The current expense for these plaques is around $600 to $700, prompting discussions about alternative methods for artist recognition. Suggestions included utilizing QR codes linked to an online platform that provides information about the artwork, potentially eliminating the need for physical plaques altogether.

The committee also considered cutting printed brochures, which would save an additional $2,000. Instead, they proposed a fully digital approach to promote the exhibition, reflecting a broader trend away from printed materials. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the budget reallocations, totaling $13,000, aimed at offsetting a $15,000 reduction in community arts grants. This decision underscores the commitment to prioritize funding for artists while adapting to changing circumstances and community needs.