WESTLOCK – The Westlock Town Council reviewed and adopted the Master Art Plan and Public Art Policy P-105-2024 at the Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12.
“There are so many reasons and studies on why esthetics of a community matter,” remarked Simone Wiley, Town of Westlock CAO.
“That is the first impressions travellers who are potential business owners have; potential residents will have.”
“From an internal perspective it also makes current residents feel like the community is cared about.
The vibrancy and modern looks of neighbouring communities have been commented on by residents in comparison to Westlock according to Wiley.
Danielle Pougher, Director of Planning and Development weighed in, “It can also be helpful for tourism.”
“They draw people in for public art tours. It can be another revenue generator for the entire community.”
Pougher reviewed the highlights of the Art Master Plan and the Public Art Policy.
“These are essentially the foundation for a future public art program to enable the Township to start doing some public art projects.”
“The public art master plan is the guiding document.”
It was explained that the vision for the program and the types of public art the committee would be contemplating including things like sculptures, murals or functional art are identified.
“It goes into principles on how we would choose public art as well as some criteria on ideal locations,” added Pougher.
“The public art master plan also has some suggested locations that are based on best practices for public art.”
“The plan also outlined a road map for establishing the program. The first step and short- and long-term implementation actions for administration as well as council to work through as we start to ramp up the program.”
“Lastly the master plan goes over some sample public art projects including utility box wraps, mural gallery, specific sports tribute mural at the spirit centre, playable art and some improvements to Westlock’s gateways by the welcome sign like decorative planters.”
The policy does prioritize Alberta artists but does allow for provisions to procure outside of Alberta if something may have a significant connection to Westlock or it might not be something that cannot be found in Alberta.
The plan includes accepting art gifts and donations.
“The project would be funded annually for the annual budget process,” stated Pougher.
“There is also the ability to accept corporate or private donations that would go towards the newly established Public Art Reserve.”
Councillor David Truckey questioned partnering with the business community on available space or interest in art projects.
Wiley responded that partnering is part of the plan.
“The initial recommendation from administration is for utility box wraps. We wanted to ease into the program,” commented Wiley.
“Utility box wraps are very cost effective and provide some unique opportunities for public art.”
Mayor Jon Kramer said, “I'm very much in favour of this project and the policy behind it.”
“I think there's room to beautify the community in functional ways that serve purposes well.”
Councillor Curtis Snell expressed his interest in seeing a balance between capturing the history and being progressive with public art in Westlock.
