City of Hobart supports investment in Public Art

In giving its support for the adoption of the City’s draft Public Art Framework, The City of Hobart’s Community, Culture and Events Committee has resolved to consider an increase in City funding for future public art projects and further investigate a developer contribution scheme for public art.

Committee Chair Councillor Bill Harvey noted public art was widely recognised as an important part of a city’s identity: “Cities everywhere are choosing to invest in public art. Its importance in creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing commercial precincts is reflected in the increased levels of investment in large-scale projects.

“Unfortunately, Hobart has not kept up with this trend and public art funding has remained static for the past decade.

“Developer contributions have become commonplace in Australia and across the world as a means to support public art in highly developed areas.

“If we want Hobart to be recognised as the creative, innovative and sophisticated city that we know it is, we need to start making some positive changes in this space.”

The Committee supported a recommendation to consider increasing public art funding by $100,000 as part of next year’s budget deliberations and a future budget allocation of one per cent of the City’s capital works budget. In addition, further investigation would be undertaken into the potential implementation of a developer contribution to the value of one per cent of development value for projects worth $3 million or more.

The Committee recommendation will be put to the full Council for consideration later this month.

Image: The Franklin Square art installation design by Dr Nigel Helyer looking towards Macquarie Street. Courtesy of the Hobart City Council.