Draft Public Art Masterplan endorsed by Council

In December the City of Stirling Council endorsed its first Public Art Masterplan 2021-2025.

The City of Stirling has more than 50 permanent public artworks in its collection ranging from small to large scale in a variety of mediums. It is expected that the City will continue to add to this collection and to ensure that a strategic approach is taken for new commissions, a Public Art Masterplan was initiated.

The Public Art Masterplan 2021-2025 has been developed through extensive community engagement and sets out the strategic foundation, guiding principles and assessment criteria for future projects.

Mayor Mark Irwin said the masterplan sets the direction for public art in the City of Stirling for the next four years and will assist in delivering equity across the City.

“With most of the public art in the City of Stirling currently commissioned through the capital works program, some areas are lacking in the provision of public art,” he said.

“The new artwork opportunities map explores several locations where new artwork could be commissioned and recommends a specific theme to be explored.

“Over 52 per cent of consultation respondents wanted to see more public art that celebrates Nyoongar culture and heritage, and the natural environment was the most popular curatorial theme, resonating with 66 per cent of consultation respondents. Together with artworks that explore our diverse and multicultural identity, these curatorial themes will help the City be more strategic and targeted with our approach to public art.”

The City has conducted an extensive community engagement process, over two phases, to assist with informing and developing the Public Art Masterplan.

Phase one gained an in-depth understanding of the community’s values and aspirations for public art in the future. It was important to include a wide range of engagement methods to allow all members of the community to be involved.

Phase two aimed to ensure the draft document was reflective of the community’s aspirations. The draft Public Art Masterplan was presented back to all key stakeholder groups for their comments and ensure that the initial data gathered had been interpreted correctly.

The Public Art Masterplan is expected to enable a greater number and quality of unique public artworks that will activate places and attract community interest.