COUNCIL ADOPTS POLICY TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC ART
At its May meeting, Glen Innes Severn Council adopted a new policy, aimed at encouraging the exhibition of art to enhance public places in the Glen Innes Severn Local Government Area (LGA).
Mayor Steve Toms said the policy outlines the aims, scope, principles and guidelines for public art in the Glen Innes Severn LGA, and includes a checklist for assessing and implementing appropriate artworks. "It includes the type, standard, location/relocation, modification, promotion and resourcing of public art," he explained. "Processes such as choosing artists and involving the community are also outlined, as well as partnerships, sponsorships, planning and appeals."
Cr Toms said the policy would help Council staff to look at public art issues in a planned and coordinated way. "It will also assist the community in understanding Council's role in the provision of public art," he explained.
One of the objectives of the policy is to raise the profile of arts and arts development. "It also focuses on implementing processes to ensure public art complements and enhances valued characteristics of the Glen Innes Severn LGA, including the natural environment," said Cr Toms. "Public art must be expressive and individual, and contribute to the unique identity and culture of our LGA."
Council has formed a Public Art Reference Group, to meet when advice and initial assessment of public art proposals is required. "The group consists of representatives from Council's staff, Arts Northwest, the TAFE Art Department, Council's Open Spaces Committee, and the Art Gallery Inc., as well as a Councillor," Cr Toms explained.
Council will assess opportunities for financing public art through existing available budgets, additional resource allocations, and partnerships with the community, the commercial sector and other levels of government. "We will also look at setting up a Public Art/Community Arts grant program," said Cr Toms.
Contact details
Catherine McBride
cmcbride@gisc.nsw.gov.au
