‘Imagination and innovation’: public art vision unveiled
A new public art plan will help shape the region's cultural landscape
Public art will play an even bigger role in the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan’s bold vision to be a region alive with arts, culture and creativity.
That vision has become a little closer with the adoption of a five-year Public Art Plan that will guide the development, commissioning, implementation and maintenance of the region’s $3.8 million public art collection.
Local artist Finn Cossar created seven Monts, which you'll find nestled within the picturesque landscapes of Russell Family Park and adorning the main street of Montville.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the region was on the precipice of possibility, imagination and innovation.
“Our region is growing and as we develop, public art will continue to play an important role in shaping our landscapes,” Mayor Natoli said.
“The inclusion of well-designed, culturally significant public art is already a key consideration in Council’s masterplans and urban design.
“The Sunshine Coast Public Art Plan will elevate our planning, ensuring we have a consistent, considered and cohesive approach to the development of public art.
“This is about enriching our community with more significant public art - pieces that bring joy, spark wonder or are thought-provoking.
“We’ll also be working closely with the public and private development sectors, to ensure their contribution to public art supports our shared regional values, identified in the Sunshine Coast Creative Arts Plan 2023-2038.”
Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Mayor Natoli said that the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games provided a unique opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Coast on the world stage.
“The roadmap and actions outlined in the Public Art Plan will help us leverage that opportunity and ensure our regional identity is truly reflective of our culture, our communities and our vision,” Mayor Natoli said.
Dura Gunga by Lyndon Davis is a 4.5m public artwork sculpture at the Lightening Lane entrance of Sunshine Coast City Hall.
The plan
Sunshine Coast Council Strong Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said there were four focus areas within the plan that would guide the development of the region’s collection – governance, capacity development, promotion and advocacy, and the Public Art Collection.
“Our public art needs to reflect our region’s spirit and character,” Cr Law said.
“From budgets and commissions to the development of an arts panel, the plan provides the framework to ensure our public spaces continue to be a source of pride and inspiration.
“We’ll also be actively supporting the growth and development of the creative industry, engaging with Traditional Custodians, collaborating with Sunshine Coast artists and fostering innovation within the sector.”
Funding the plan
Under the proposed planning scheme, certain developments are required to include public art.
To support this requirement, a percent-for-art scheme and framework is proposed and will be taken to community consultation via the Planning Scheme review.
If supported and endorsed, this framework will provide a contribution to the funding required to deliver the Sunshine Coast Public Art Plan.
This article ‘Imagination and innovation’: public art vision unveiled has been supplied from the OurSC website and has been published here with permission.