As a major outcome of the 2020 SPARC Cultural Plan, Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) will launch a new Public Art Strategy in 2023 that will set the future vision for public art in Dubbo and Wellington. The new Public Art Strategy responds directly to clear and resounding feedback from the community on the need for an active and strategic plan for growing Public Art across our region.
Mayor of Dubbo Regional Council Mathew Dickerson said having a thriving public art scene will have a raft a benefits for the whole community. “A vibrant and accessible public art scene will ensure the region is an exciting and rewarding place to live and can be a visual statement of our community’s identity and values. Quality public art will encourage new visitors, create stronger community wellbeing, promote diversity and provide enjoyment opportunities for people of all ages,” said Mr Dickerson.
To develop this plan, Council is seeking community input and collaboration. Dubbo Regional Council’s Cultural Development Co-Ordinator Jessica Moore said she wants to see as many community members as possible contributing their ideas to the strategy. “The plan will rely on our community members providing insights to what they want to see as far as public art is concerned. We want to hear from lots of people – those who are creative, those who value creativity and those who have never thought it was for them,” said Ms Moore.
“The region needs a public art strategy that builds on the strength of the existing public art, guides future direction and seizes opportunities for enhancing public art across our community. For the strategy to be reflective, it should include the voices of a wide range of community members in the region.”
Council has engaged renowned Public and Urban Design experts ARTSCAPE to help shape the new Public Art Framework and Policy. ARTSCAPE is a creative studio dedicated to transforming the built environment for the benefit of the Community. Established in 2003, ARTSCAPE has been providing comprehensive urban design, place planning, place making, public art, cultural planning and graphic design services to commerce, private developers, councils, state and federal authorities, architects, artists and community organisations for over 18 years.
“ARTSCAPE has an amazing reputation and track record in shaping dynamic Public Art projects and strategies and their extensive experience in this area will ensure we have a responsive and regionally unique strategy,” said Ms Moore.
ARTSCAPE will be leading six community consultation sessions in October in Dubbo and Wellington. The public is invited to contribute to the development of this strategy through these public sessions or via the online submission. Tell us your vision for Public Art in our region, your ideas and dreams, and how we as Council can support this to happen.
More information, including dates for the Consultation Sessions or to contribute via the online survey can be found at dubbo.nsw.gov.au/publicartstrategy
