Competition guidelines for a sculpture at a South Laguna parking lot and the 2010 Friday Film Series were approved by the council at Oct. 20 meeting.

The Arts Commission recommended the guidelines for the installation of a sculpture near the drinking fountain in the parking lot at Sea Cove and Coast Highway. As recommended by the commission, the film series was approved for 7 p.m. Jan. 15, 22 and 29 at the Festival Forum Theater on the Festival of Arts Grounds.

Guidelines include the use of breccia stone, which will be supplied to the winning artist. Exposed wood and painted elements are discouraged. Materials that can easily be maintained in an ocean environment are encouraged.

Former Mayor Ann Christoph said the request for artists’ qualifications was dry and uninspiring and needed to include a theme or reference marine life. However, the commission rejected the notion of a theme.

South Laguna resident Jackie Gallagher wanted more specificity in the requests for qualifications.

Qualifications from artists are due by Dec. 4.

The competition is open to artists who live, work or exhibit in Laguna Beach. Prize money is in the $8,000 range.

The sculpture competition is funded by the Federal Transportation Enhancement Activity grant, which requires a $3,200 art-in-public places component for the streetscape improvement in South Laguna, and $6,000 from the city’s Art-in-Lieu Fund, which has a $150,250 balance.

Funding for the film series will come from commission’s Special Programs Budget of the Business Improvement District, a contribution via a voluntary increase by hotels in bed taxes earmarked for arts projects that will attract tourists to town.

The cost for facility and film rental is not to exceed $2,000.