Shire adopts public art policy

THE Surf Coast Shire has adopted a public art policy that will guide the management, maintenance and protection of works across the region.

Adopted at the council’s June meeting, the policy will also set guidelines for the commissioning and acquisition of new works.

Cr Rebecca Bourke said a 2024 audit had identified 279 individual items of public art across the shire.

“This new policy recognises the great value of art in our shire and its role in helping create a sense of place, enhancing and invigorating public spaces and reflecting and helping to express our stories.

“The policy will provide a substantial framework for the management and preservation of these existing public art assets and clear guidance on acquisition and approval of new works.”

 

Part of the policy highlights the role public art plays in placemaking, helping to generate landmarks and tell the story of a place.

Public art refers to pieces that are in the care of the Surf Coast Shire council, either temporarily or permanently, are installed outdoors in the public domain and on council-managed land.

Sculptures, installations, music-based art, exhibitions in public spaces, murals and more are all defined as public art in the policy.

Excluded pieces include traditional memorials, plaques or historic landmarks.

The policy underwent a period of community consultation and recorded strong support of its direction.

For more information and to view the policy, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au