The City of Greater Bendigo is preparing a new Public Art Policy for its permanent and temporary collection, and is calling for residents to have their say on what they would like to see in the future.
Public art is a creative work that is located in an area that is open to the public. Common types of public art include sculpture, murals/street art, digital art/projection, nature-based art and sound art.
Across Greater Bendigo there are more than 100 examples in the City’s public art collection.
Temporary examples also include Pennyweight Walk, where the artwork changes over every few years, and artwork that was loaned for a period of time like the eight-metre-tall Marilyn Monroe sculpture that was placed in the Rosalind Park piazza in 2016 or the current Djaara Lights display in the Bath Lane precinct.
Acting Director Strategy and Growth Ben Devanny said this community engagement opportunity was a chance to understand the community’s interest in public art.
“We know that public art makes a big difference to how our streets are presented and adds to the overall vibrancy of Greater Bendigo,” Mr Devanny said.
“Over many years, we have been able to offer a great range of permanent and temporary public art that helps to entertain residents and visitors, and beautify and activate our public spaces. Generally, these art works have either been commissioned by the City, developers or donated to us.
“From the feedback we receive, we will identify themes, community understanding of public art and other ideas the community would like to see. This will then inform the direction of the policy and new public art projects in the future.”
Development of the new policy aligns with actions in the current Council Plan (Mir wimbul) 2021-2025 and Greater CREATIVE Bendigo strategy.
Feedback closes Monday February 27. To find out more, visit www.letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/public-art-policy