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Lake
Macquarie City will become a hub of public artworks and installations under a
new draft Council plan.
The draft
Urban and Public Art Strategy provides a framework on how Council can
commission, improve and expand the City’s visual and aesthetic appeal through
creativity.
Manager Arts,
Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said that investment in public art not only
improves the liveability of a City, but also creates a sense of place, an
identity and a destination.
“Public art
is the most accessible form of art within a community,” Ms Hemsley said.
“We live in a
modern society, and with art being a subjective concept, we understand that art
doesn’t necessarily always appeal to everyone.
“But it
should aim to represent our diverse culture, reflect our feeling of people and
place, and provoke thought and conversation.”
Under the
draft strategy, Council will deliver a series of significant, iconic, medium,
small and ephemeral commissions dotted throughout the City as part of the
strategy’s 10-year lifespan.
“This is a
robust and brave public art strategy that will put us at the forefront of the
Hunter Region’s public and urban art,” Ms Hemsley said.
“The actions
outlined in this document will drive tourism, increase social interactivity in
our community and stimulate investment in our City.”
University of
Newcastle research published earlier this year found that the visual arts
sector contributes $26 million annually to the local economy in Lake Macquarie
City.
Lake
Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said Council would seek funding for new public art
projects through various avenues, including capital works projects and
government grants.
“We are pleased
to exhibit this draft strategy – the first of its type in the Hunter Region,”
Cr Fraser said.
“It paves the
way for us to commission high-quality works of art that enhance our community
and culture.”
Lake
Macquarie City is already home to more than 30 contemporary public artworks and
more than 20 art and heritage interpretation signs.
The strategy
also covers Lake Macquarie’s memorials and monuments, defined as urban art
under Council’s Urban and Public Art Policy.
Almost 140 of
them feature throughout Lake Mac, including the Catalina Memorial at Rathmines
Park, and prominent war memorials at Toronto, West Wallsend and Speers Point.
Go to shape.lakemac.com.au/art-strategy
by 4 November to view the draft Strategy and provide feedback by completing the
short survey.