Chatham-Kent will create its first-ever "Public Art Policy" to help build a diverse collection of public art pieces throughout the region.
Municipal council members unanimously approved the plan during Monday’s meeting, along with over $73,000 in funding to set a vision and develop a clear set of community-informed goals, policies, and objectives to provide guidance on public art.
The surplus of $33,826 related to the divestment of Blenheim Heritage House will be transferred into the newly approved Public Art Reserve. An annual allocation of $40,000 will also be made from the Naming Rights Reserve sponsorship fun for public art programming in 2024 and 2025.
"Public art comes in many forms, from sculpture and murals to landscape art, from functional art to participatory or pop-up installations," read a report to council. "Public art not only beautifies communities but it also helps them to grieve, to heal, and to prosper."
A volunteer public art advisory committee will be established to advise council of the need and adequacy of public art in the municipality.
"Many towns, cities, and municipalities across the country have implemented public art programs and have subsequently built a diverse collection of public art pieces that define and enhance their communities," read the report. "Public art in the municipality may incorporate themes supporting local history, civic pride, business, and technology."
The policy is intended to provide the council and the community with a framework for procuring and caring for public art in the region.
"Now more than ever, as Chatham-Kent navigates through this period of pandemic recovery, community renewal, and social change, the community needs public art," read the report.