Public Art

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4.1.63     Art in the public realm - in public spaces, and on or next to public buildings, has a long and distinguished history. Encouragement of public art includes involving artists in the design of the built environment, enriching the sense of place in an urban area, greatly enhancing the visual quality of buildings and public spaces and fostering community pride.

4.1.64     In terms of the physical environment, public art applies to the creation of permanent art, incorporation of artistic designs in the public realm and to the creation of public spaces where temporary works of art or performances can take place. The approach adopted to public art will vary from scheme to scheme depending on its nature, design, scale and end use. Public Art can for example include sculptures, paintings and integrated or functional design elements such as lighting, landscape, fencing, floor designs and signage. It is important that the choice of public art is appropriate to the scheme and its location, both in terms of public usage and design context. This can most successfully be achieved by integrating proposals for art and craft works at the design stage in the development process.

4.1.65     Developers need to consider several criteria when creating provisions for public art in the design process especially with regard to location, safety, materials and maintenance. Any provision for public art should be visible and accessible to the public and obviously should not obstruct the footway or cause a hazard. Public safety should be protected through design and choice of materials. Consideration should be given to the use of recycled or sustainable materials that are durable and require minimum maintenance. Maintenance and insurance arrangements of public art works should also be integrated into any schemes.

4.1.66     Opportunities for applying a policy for art in the physical environment lie in the local initiative projects for Kirkintilloch and Lennoxtown, and other major urban renewal projects that may be proposed in East Dunbartonshire. Other priority areas for the provision of public art would include town centres and commercial areas, recreation areas, schools and community facilities and in some cases residential areas.


 

 

Policy DQ 16       Public Art

 

The Council will encourage developers to integrate art and craft works into development schemes at the design stage and to include the costs of their provision in project budgets. Where appropriate, developers should seek to employ local artists and craftspeople thus contributing to the economic regeneration of the area.

 

The Council recognises that public art can make a positive contribution to the quality of the environment and will take a lead in initiating and encouraging the provision of art in public places and integrated within buildings.