Public Art Masterplan out for public comment

There are still a few days left for members of the public to submit their comments on the City’s draft Public Art Masterplan, which was recently endorsed by Council for the purposes of public advertising.

Public art is creative work situated in visually accessible locations, and can include a broad range of visual art forms including sculpture, murals, multimedia, or installation works.

The City of Stirling has more than 50 permanent public artworks in its collection, and to ensure that a strategic approach is taken for new commissions, extensive consultations led to the creation of a draft Public Art Masterplan.

Mayor Mark Irwin said maintaining a collection of public art and developing a strategy to guide future commissions was an essential part of achieving the vision of making the City of Stirling a destination city with a lively economy.

“The development of a vibrant artistic community in the City of Stirling is a key priority of the City, and our draft Public Art Masterplan builds on the strength of our current Public Art Policy, which specifies public art is included in major capital works projects over $2 million,” he said.

“Local government is uniquely placed to provide opportunities for, and support the delivery of, public art in its community. The provision of public art in Western Australia has significantly increased over the past 20 years given its contribution to economic development, tourism, placemaking, community development and streetscape improvements. It is recognised as an engaging, connecting and dynamic element of the public realm, allowing the creativity and character of our community to be expressed.

“The City of Stirling is committed to supporting arts and culture to ensure we remain a progressive, modern, growing, and positive community through the development of the Public Art Masterplan.

“A cohesive masterplan – which identifies appropriate locations and type of public art – will set a strategic framework and clearly define a vision and curatorial themes for public art that is unique to the City.

“Public art commissions generate numerous employment opportunities for artists and creatives, as well as engaging a number of industries in the fabrication and maintenance of the artwork. It adds to the amenity and desirability of an area, providing the opportunity for the community to engage with artwork in their everyday environment.”

Members of the public wishing to make comment on the draft plan can visit www.stirling.wa.gov.au/artplan to submit comments by Wednesday 22 September.