[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6183978,"mediaKeyId","5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354","parentId",5093345,"title","Laredo commission outlines six-project annual public-art plan and next steps with bond counsel","audioSeconds",885,"startMs",1879000,"endMs",2764000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354&start=1879&end=2764","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354/thumbnail_1879000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6183978/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Laredo-commission-outlines-six-project-annual-public-art-plan-and-next-steps-with-bond-counsel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183978-f81b869338e3a4a0e084a4c3a69825d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770525719&Signature=d3W0IGTtwNzUiX4btOC5vMcqmpwmQRt3DvzsD1hmac7WnYucxxUAFNCXzaFDN8Y0KIP3ugQJrtaIvXEhWH2wN2m16yZ7HJEdJbHVUp1txEUnSh5JqKe7CfqLYJG3jXmvK11iOYPKJb3Ytc6BvR4OvGheEol0x6huK4Lw2g4nQLR8fTOx-KM4gghfa5V7FE7acDwu67EMObjiSOQ-YH1u13WdHpilbu6gSInj2Ko7mbvQZIS9e5wn0C7mo5t~Kf3yDmP57GRrTjmjaZFePgDjZXcjStgfUQmYywgLNXi-9BJhgIxVCxStJ0F3XjF~uYMTqkqZuyHmBNvFBk7Rw92ZJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Laredo, Texas","date","2025-06-27T21:50:26Z","article","The City of Laredo Fine Arts & Culture Commission reviewed a proposed annual public-art plan and a slate of six projects designed to advance public art citywide while aligning with the commission’s LAMP procedures and finance guidance.

Staff presented the proposal of six priority projects for the 2026 school year: the Cesar Chavez walkway (site pending), a first wave of utility-box murals, sidewalk poetry stamps aligned with sidewalk repairs, hopscotch/ground murals at elementary schools (55 locations proposed), a mini-gallery program for small, locked outdoor displays, and a set of artist workshops and mandatory orientation sessions for selected artists. Staff said the list intentionally favors smaller, distributed projects to “catch up to 2023” spending and to demonstrate city-wide impact quickly.

Commissioners and staff discussed funding and approvals. The commission heard that finance recommends naming the six projects now so bond counsel can review and approve use of bond funds; staff reported bond counsel must sign off before the commission or departments commit resources. Staff also said the division does not yet have an established discretionary budget for the program beyond a staff salary and that a budget proposal for the next fiscal year will be submitted.

Commissioners probed implementation details: staff explained a proposed minimum of 20 sidewalks for the sidewalk-poetry project (the quantity may vary depending on public-works sidewalk repairs), a contingency line of roughly $2,000 on some line items for extra materials, and a draft preference in artist calls that awards extra points to applicants residing in the project district while keeping calls open so the commission is not limited if local applicants are insufficient. Staff said logistics will require simultaneous installations and some overtime in the first wave because one staff member presently manages implementation.

The commission also discussed community outreach and access: staff plans QR codes and social-media-ready materials, to host workshops with higher-education partners and to encourage district-based artist participation. For school-based hopscotch murals and sidewalk poetry, staff expects to coordinate with LISD and UISD and to engage students, parents and lead artists for oversight. Commissioners suggested prioritizing high-foot-traffic locations such as libraries, parks and recreation centers and outreach into neighborhoods that have had less past exposure to public art.

Next steps: staff will finalize the six-project list for bond-counsel review, refine budget contingencies, set a timetable for simultaneous installations where feasible, schedule artist workshops and return to the commission with a firm implementation schedule and outreach materials.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Fine Arts and Culture Commission Meeting 062625","oneSentenceSummary","The Fine Arts & Culture Commission advanced a six-project annual public-art plan that prioritizes smaller, widely distributed works—utility boxes, sidewalk poetry, hopscotch murals, mini galleries, artist workshops and the Cesar Chavez walkway—and will send the slate to bond counsel for approval to use city funds.","taxTitle","Laredo, Webb County, Texas","taxId",2820,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6183982,"Laredo arts commission seeks new city-owned site for Cesar Chavez walkway art",641,102000,743000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354&start=102&end=743","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354/thumbnail_102000.jpg","/articles/6183982/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Laredo-arts-commission-seeks-new-city-owned-site-for-Cesar-Chavez-walkway-art","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183982-da4bc859d597bbbc0b27cea783c3b4fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770525719&Signature=nN6wJQS84aBnXDM9mLABYb-FyE0hXCVJIv8JmulyQv6UBprFc0~a9MxTYn5CCPG6bBKLtGG8AzJ9pqyVqc6~Ss5oivfDPSMJVLSDDhhzKuwrWOl4xdYB50PUZAi24wNPB5besP8UVCDtrieOd24VSrLYovkV~zA5Z5PUO94xZYdcpsHllPldRDCWM4P-5vFogUYt1AZDbz9EUwNuqhqTgGikOrNLXwT7hQAktUclG-T7BxR-LfY9MKHo4w2vpVV2WvvrUkWWvMqDtd8QDfsOG3DPQlSLhAuqy4xK2Tr9ZEY7wT5RU-dG0-Uz7nX6kTWWPODtplqAcbC9t5k6fiEw2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Laredo’s Fine Arts & Culture Commission heard an update on the Cesar Chavez walkway art project and was told the site originally proposed by engineering is on private property, so staff are pursuing alternate city-owned locations and other installation options.

Commission members were told the engineering department identified a location “on the side of a pawnshop,” which cannot be used because commission-funded public art must be on city property. Commission members asked whether the commission could contribute to murals on private property through partnership or by amending the ordinance; staff said they are exploring alternatives, including working with tourism and economic development partners to identify allowable locations or to coordinate privately funded projects.

Commission members raised the example of a privately funded mural on the Tatangela Walkway and asked whether the commission’s funds could be used in partnership on private walls. Staff said the commission’s primary responsibility is projects on city property under the LAMP procedures, but that departments or outside groups with funding may ask the commission to serve as the selection committee for art on privately owned walls if city policy and property-owner consent allow it. Staff noted the standard operating procedures (SOPs) include a required step to confirm property-owner approval before proceeding with selection and artist work.

Members discussed alternatives to wall murals in the constrained downtown historic district, including light installations, temporary or modular pieces, and non-permanent installations that can be changed yearly. Staff said engineering has proposed at least one alternate site that is off the paved area, and that next steps are to receive written confirmation from that engineer and then take approvals to bond counsel.

Commissioners emphasized coordination with Economic Development and tourism so the commission’s projects do not duplicate existing downtown initiatives and so the commission can contribute meaningfully when private building owners want murals. Staff asked the commission to trust city liaisons already coordinating with relevant departments; commission members asked for a planning session with Economic Development and tourism representatives to align priorities and intake processes.

The commission will wait for the engineer’s written response on alternative site options and for staff to report back on the feasibility of non-wall installations and any required approvals.","The Fine Arts & Culture Commission reported engineering identified a proposed mural site on private property, prompting staff to seek alternate city-owned locations and explore non-wall installations and partnerships with tourism and economic development.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6183966,"Fine Arts commission seeks council appointees for open seats, plans outreach before workshop",3100,887000,3987000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354&start=887&end=3987","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354/thumbnail_887000.jpg","/articles/6183966/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Fine-Arts-commission-seeks-council-appointees-for-open-seats-plans-outreach-before-workshop","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183966-de1ada312f77e0eece772914166ad6a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770525719&Signature=ZhnhrkCAXdt~EzeQwYmAS05FtoOIWDxefK55KyuPFifSyOK9T20BM05IMh5oQrQy98dA4hKNO6POq~jcpO2BEsezL66wp8zW9m9YormWfZWCqhcLeIb5KfWRuxRugR63eJKtZPamw0MpiodcZC3fZ~unxKpFc1DRGfSpobmhRn0fec2Fa23H-2aKnYxRZTekO-pN8MB3JrX9f03vL5Ur7jFK0Ic207QtTIDfNhVWnkaCdGRrJ7Qf2DDDBh-BzxChLKoAGsZbK2Z1HLxVcg0Ck2E41u~Yykpvpp035W4gaeniQyF3QCAww~XCuUglJ~RdwoHaTnpVbrXdGknXYBNIDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Fine Arts & Culture Commission reviewed its membership status and outreach plans, reporting three council-appointed seats are unfilled and asking members to contact council offices and administrative assistants to help secure appointees.

Staff said the commission currently has vacancies for District 2, District 5 and District 7 representatives and that administrative assistants and the City Council’s appointment process are being contacted. Commissioners agreed to call or email council offices and to use the commission’s website contact information; staff noted that details and assistants’ contact information are posted on the City of Laredo website.

The commission also set a goal of scheduling a workshop to review ordinance 2019001777 and the commission’s SOPs before the annual plan is presented to council. Members discussed possible dates in July and agreed the session should be scheduled before the annual-plan presentation; staff said the agenda deadline for council slots is the Friday before a council meeting and encouraged contacting councilmembers’ offices promptly to place nominees on the next agenda.

No formal appointments were made during the meeting; staff will follow up with council offices and propose workshop dates via email to the commission.","Members discussed three vacant district seats, agreed to contact council offices and administrative assistants to fill vacancies before a planned ordinance/workshop refresher, and planned outreach to encourage attendance at artist workshops and public surveys.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6183971,"Historic-commission member urges moving Thomas Sanchez statue to a more accessible location",178,1240000,1418000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354&start=1240&end=1418","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5093345-e6ebaa4c2584e8ce38ef94262fa16354/thumbnail_1240000.jpg","/articles/6183971/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Historic-commission-member-urges-moving-Thomas-Sanchez-statue-to-a-more-accessible-location","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6183971-5c304d13db9a5ce69448c8547619c3dc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770525719&Signature=R90f08RJiL32wrml1S3Ruay0euCbUwkiWRVMmxM1JZnWPb87DwC83uN7QPne38ylt9W4JMx2uCGw7kk39yvnUVq7fNXugnewZyA7wAEqUj86LwOwclUc2N6ZU2ojDXmZiEQYVy8K20~zzFxxl1OXK1Oc-oNHimUGWrf8APTioBQ1aw8~HN5KIB2LLtNr0lHkoQO6lyLdXWyFRl7s9uZ7ZhZItwayHF-PCP4o-ar4~sYvX-DYFz9i8D8rdj-QFIWmxAIUi2ItarPYw9YzqQC~6fcmILgfgP7jUbuUOVF3vYWu-BDZMqM~WhM-4eB5QYYnYbmXYiAq4NqnLp8po0AS2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A member of the historical commission told the Fine Arts & Culture Commission that the Thomas Sanchez sculpture is currently sited where pedestrian access is poor and that the piece would be better served in a more walkable, visible location with an interpretive marker.

The historical commissioner said the sculpture sits in the middle of a multi-lane crossing by a bridge and that tourists and local visitors are unlikely to stop at the current site. The historical commission is working on a “Thomas Sanchez” historical marker to tell the statue’s story and suggested placing the marker and statue near a church or Saragustin Plaza area where pedestrians can more easily view it.

Commissioners discussed the practical challenges: the current location has heavy traffic, and moving a statue requires city approvals. One commissioner noted the statue never had a formal unveiling and that the cover protecting it had failed. Staff said any relocation would need to follow city procedures and likely come to city council for approval; the commission agreed it would be appropriate to assemble a recommendation and potential alternate location options for council consideration.

No formal action was taken; staff and commissioners agreed to research suitable alternative locations and prepare materials for a future council agenda item.","A historical commissioner said the Thomas Sanchez sculpture’s current location near a busy bridge crossing limits visitor access and visibility; the commission discussed preparing a recommendation for city council to relocate the statue and install an explanatory historical marker nearby.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Laredo commission outlines six-project annual public-art plan and next steps with bond counsel

Laredo arts commission seeks new city-owned site for Cesar Chavez walkway art

Fine Arts commission seeks council appointees for open seats, plans outreach before workshop

Historic-commission member urges moving Thomas Sanchez statue to a more accessible location