Sheriff's Office in Fort Lauderdale Invests in $460K Art Project Amid

Source: Google Street View

The Broward County Sheriff's Office is splashing out $460,000 for abstract sculptures to be installed at their headquarters, with the hefty price tag raising eyebrows more than the art itself may. The spending was green-lighted by county commissioners on December 12, with funds earmarked for design, engineering, fabrication, electrical components, permitting, and installation costs. This decision was made sans public discussion as it was passed on consent by the commissioners.

Coined 'Both And', the art installation will feature three 14-foot abstract pieces to welcome visitors into the Fort Lauderdale complex. The sculptures, designed to be fashioned from stainless steel and coated steel frames, will showcase a polka-dot pattern of colored holes sprinkled with green and yellow, topped with lighting for an after-dark effect. This comes from the description presented by the Miami New Times.

Interestingly, the selection process sidestepped local talent despite county codes encouraging the hiring of neighborhood artists. Sketching the blueprint for 'Both And' is the Iowa-based RDG Planning & Design and Hawkeye State artist Matt Niebuhr; RDG has a resume of art projects stretching from Texas to California, signaling their knack for blending art with environment.

Nevertheless, the choice of Niebuhr was the result of a competitive process, sifted through by a panel comprising artists, art industry connoisseurs, and BSO reps who reviewed upwards of 55 applicants, as per Director of the county's cultural division Phillip Dunlap. Niebuhr, touting an architecture background, made the final cut out of ten Florida artists that included local creatives from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa Bay area, and Key West. A statement by Dunlap obtained by the Miami New Times explained the selection and the intended symbolic significance of the artwork.

In stark contrast to this pricey affair, a previous project dating back to 2013 had middle schoolers from Weston crafting a mural for the sheriff’s office, without the involvement of a six-figure budget. Tying in with the new multimillion-dollar Broward Sheriff's Office Training Center, the contemporary art frames public art as a requisite addition to such civic constructions. Not only will this complex champion a hefty auditorium, shooting ranges, and a memorial, but it's also set to spoil law enforcers with amenities like saunas and ice baths. Sheriff Gregory Tony mentioned these plush inclusions during a briefing to his staff.

The infusion of cash into public art, particularly against the backdrop of inflation and essential public safety services, might indeed make some wonder if the community’s funds are getting their right due. As reported by the Miami New Times via X, the project reflects on the diversity and unity of the community, representing BSO's commitment to safety — a commitment, no doubt, but at a significant dollar value that has the public watching, and perhaps questioning, too.