SOUTH PORTLAND — Calling all local art and history enthusiasts: the city is accepting applications to serve on the new Arts and Historic Preservation Committee.

According to a press release from City Clerk Sue Mooney, the committee is charged with assisting the City Council in “preserving the historical and architectural integrity of South Portland, fostering beautification of public areas, and promoting the educational, cultural, economic, aesthetic value, and general welfare of South Portland.”

The City Council created the nine-member panel on  July 7,  as part of the city’s continued implementation of the 2012 Comprehensive Plan.

Committee duties will include, but are not limited to: preparing an inventory of historic sites and architecture in the city feasibly worthy of protection, suggesting pieces of public art for city acquisition, and, when appropriate in city construction projects, making recommendations to the council to protect a structure’s historic or artistic integrity.

A full list of possible committee duties is available on the city website. 

Two committee members will be representatives from the South Portland Historical Society and Greater Portland Landmarks. Each group will make a member recommendation to the committee. 

The City Council will appoint residents to the remaining seven seats based on the applicants’ interest in arts and historic preservation, and the applicants’ familiarity with local arts and history. 

Committee member will serve three-year terms, and there cannot be more than three committee members from each voting district.

“We’ve lost (historical) places, and we have nothing in place to save these architectural gems we have,” Councilor Tom Blake, who has led tours of the city, said at the July 7 meeting.

Residents interested in serving on the AHPC can apply online at southportland.org or contact Mooney at 767-7627 for more information.

Shelby Carignan can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 106 or scarignan@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @shelbycarignan.