Public Art: Corner Brook, Newfoundland - 2009-02-02

Public Art Policy : Does Corner Brook need one? Why is Public Art important for Corner Brook?

The purpose of a Public Art Policy is to develop a

framework for the management and promotion of public

art as follows:
 

• Provide guidelines for art that enhances, animates and

gives added meaning to the unique natural, cultural

and social environment of Corner Brook’s public spaces;
 

• Provide guidelines for art that is appropriate to the

character and significance of its location and its day to-

day use;
 

• Provide a framework of objectives and guidelines for

the commissioning of art that will amplify and support

the City’s wider corporate vision;
 

• Provide a clear, consistent and transparent system for

the evaluation and formal acceptance of artworks for

the public domain;
 

• Provide information on procedures for the acceptance

and procurement of public art, and;
 

• Provide a framework for sustainable, best practice

management and care of the City’s collection

of public art.

 

The objectives of the Policy are to:
 
• Ensure excellence of public art.
 

• Require original, innovative art that reflects

contemporary art practice
 

• Ensure the creation of art that will contribute to the

animation, enhancement, enjoyment or understanding

of its context
 

• Ensure that art is appropriate to the significance and

character of its location and that both art and site

mutually benefit from their association and interaction
 

• Encourage and ensure a diverse range of art in

keeping with the unique qualities of the City’s

diverse precincts


• Enhance the design and functionality of the public

domain


• Encourage the private sector to integrate high

quality and innovative art into the design of the

built environment


• Ensure robust, durable art that will retain its quality

and integrity over time,


• Ensure that all future public art projects are procured

and managed in accordance with this Policy.

 

OBJECTIVES

 

• A high standard of public art through:

 

• The establishment of consistent and effective processes for the procurement and de-commissioning of public art, which are appropriate to the budget, function, social impact and expected longevity of the piece

 

• The implementation of a whole-of-Council approach to the commissioning of public art in Corner Brook ensuring the highest possible standards in both process and outcome

 

• The identification of opportunities for the commissioning of public art by Council, the private sector and other stakeholders - including property developers, State Government and independent organizations - that contribute to creating a profile of Corner Brook as an important world city

 

• The strengthening of the Corner brook area cultural economy through the employment, training and provision of professional development opportunities for local artists, designers and project managers

 

• The provision of opportunities, through public art projects, for the celebration and interpretation of the Corner Brook’s heritage and contemporary culture for both residents and visitors.

 

 

Strategic Priority

Cultural Development

Strategic Priority Outcome

The city values and celebrates its cultural diversity and heritage

Local art and culture enterprises are promoted and sustained

Performance Measures

All Council public artwork adheres to the underlying principles of the Public Art Policy

All public art is appropriately registered as a Council asset

All public artworks to have an appropriate maintenance manual

All public artworks adhere to processes outlined in the Guidelines manual

Risk Treatment

Financial sustainability.

 
The above suggestions for a Public Art Policy could put Corner Brook in the forefront of Cultural activities in the Province. I think the future of our city lays in this direction. I think it is important that we start this process sooner rather than later. Our councillors need to have the vision to see into our future, and past the day when a Mill is the focal point of our city. They need to see a developed water front with shops, galleries, museums and public art! The future is now, all we have to do is realize it! ( No pun intended)

 

Keywords: Corner brook, Public Art, Corner brook Public Art Policy, Art Policy, Public,

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