No. 17

$2.3 MILLION INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC ART 

The ACT Government’s 2007-08 Budget provides a $2.3 million investment in public art over four years as part of its innovative new Percent-for-art program.

“This initiative allocates funding equivalent to 1 per cent of the capital works budget each year to commission new public artworks and to care for the existing public art collection,” Minister for the Arts Jon Stanhope said.

“The Percent-for-art program represents the ACT Government’s commitment to a dedicated and ongoing investment in public art.  Through this program, expenditure on public art will become an undisputed part of the day-to-day business of government. 

“The ACT Government is committed to ensuring that all Canberrans have the opportunity to enjoy and engage with the arts, without going to a gallery and without buying a ticket.
 
“Public art is integral to the experiences we have in Canberra as we live, work and play in the city and the suburbs.  These artworks are designed and made with the distinct purpose of enriching our public spaces and our cultural life.

“The Percent-for-art program will be managed by artsACT with the advice of the ACT Public Art Panel to ensure that the work takes place in a structured and strategic manner, rather than having artworks commissioned or purchased on an ad hoc basis with no independent oversight.”

The Chief Minister recently announced that in this first year of the Percent-for-art program, the entire amount generated in 2007-08 would be invested in commissioning a single iconic work worth $1 million for the Northbourne Avenue/City Hill area.  Artists will soon be invited to submit Expressions of Interest for the first stage of the design selection process.

The 2007-08 Budget also provides funding of $723,000 for a range of upgrades, repairs and maintenance to ensure that our network of Government arts facilities is best able to meet the community’s needs.

$25,000 has been made available for upgrades to the Belconnen Theatre’s lighting control panel and to purchase new theatre lights.  

Strathnairn Arts Association, which provides working spaces and facilities for a range of artists, craftspeople and community projects, will also benefit with a funding initiative of $82,000 to provide two more multi-purpose studios.