Strathbogie Shire Council is seeking public comment on its Draft Public Art Policy, which provides a process for assessing and making decisions about the design, placement and preservation of art in public spaces in the shire.
The proposed policy was adopted during council’s meeting on Tuesday, June 21.
The policy comes after a groundswell of interest from the community to establish public art in the shire’s open spaces.
Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Laura Binks said council was hearing the community’s desire for more public art loud and clear.
“We are eager to get your incredible projects off the ground, but to do so, council must first adopt a public art policy,” Cr Binks said.
“We know how important public art is — creating a unique way to enhance people’s experiences of, and encouraging greater interaction with, public spaces.
“Public art can express community values, enhance our environment, transform a landscape, heighten our awareness, or question our assumptions.
“Placed in public sites, this art is there for everyone, a form of collective community expression.
“We know there is lots of energy for public artworks. However, as public spaces are important community resources, public art should be carefully considered to ensure a positive impact is achieved.”
Cr Binks said the public art policy would guide council and councillors in making future decisions when it came to implementing public art.
The draft policy aims to enhance new and existing public spaces, grow a public art collection that demonstrates strong contemporary art practices, ensure art reflects stories, themes and issues relevant to the communities within the shire and provide opportunities for place-making and community engagement.
Submissions close at 9am on Wednesday, August 10.
A copy of the draft public art policy, and the opportunity to have your say, can be found at www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au