Putting the Public in Public Art
Whether because of complexity or prejudice, the development and commissioning of major public art projects is one of the few areas of local government arts, that generally remains outside the community cultural development framework. Aside from the occasional community mural or mosaic project, larger public art projects are generally commissioned by panels of ‘experts’, and the idea that the development of artists briefs and the task of selecting final artworks can be devolved to the community is almost heresy.
However, for over a decade now the Cities of Darebin and Whittlesea have been fostering just such a heresy, gradually putting their public into public art. It would be a brave ‘expert’ indeed who would conclude that the works commissioned through this community engagement process rank any less than the best of public art commissions elsewhere.
This presentation will challenge attendees to utilise public art as a means of building and strengthening inclusive community cultural development and not allow other agendas to determine and dominate our civic and communal spaces.Sarah Poole is originally a visual artist. 1993-1996, Sarah was Cultural Development Officer with City of Yarra, managing the Brunswick Street Public Art Project. She has then directed festivals for the City of Darebin and Whittlesea, and was project manager for the controversial “FIDO’ project.
In 2002-2005, Sarah was Team Leader, Arts and Culture, City of Whittlesea. Sarah is now Public Art Officer completing Council's first Cultural Collection Strategy, which underpins the management, facilitation and community engagement program for Council's Visual Art, Public Art and Civic History Collections. Also currently managing the large number of new housing estates incorporating Public Art as a place making and marketing exercise.
Mark Wilkinson is currently Manager of Arts and Cultural Development at Darebin City Council where he is responsible for the development of Council’s arts policy, programs and events as well as Council’s arts and cultural infrastructure projects. Mark has lectured at the University of Melbourne in Arts Management and spent time at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai courtesy of an Asialink Residency. Before Darebin, Mark worked in the performing arts sector. He is currently Chair of the Melbourne Workers Theatre and is also on the board of Platform Youth Theatre.