Creative designs to form structure

Written by By LEAH TINDILL.

PUBLIC art is set to become more prevalent in the shire.

Indigo Shire Council’s public art implementation guide outlines that a minimum of one per cent of the total cost of council’s capital works over $100,000 should be allocated to approved artwork.

The one per cent funding for the artwork will not be an additional levy, but will come from a portion of the money already designated to the overall project.

The move comes as similar projects are undertaken around the area and will take effect from March this year.

Indigo Shire Council mayor Larry Goldsworthy said the artwork did not have to be a traditional, stand alone piece but could be a design to form part of the overall architecture.

Cr Goldsworthy said the artwork could also be used to enhance the overall aesthetics of the construction.

"The artwork doesn’t have to be a sculpture at the front of a building," he said.

"It could be artistic and relevant wall or floor tiling or other fixtures designed to reflect the use of the public building and local community."

In keeping with the heritage nature of the shire’s towns, the works will undergo an approval process which Cr Goldsworthy says will ensure heritage guidelines remain a priority with the structures.

"Community feedback from the recent 2030 consultation processes demonstrated how important it is to preserve the heritage feel of our towns," he said.

"The public art installed as part of this scheme will preserve and enhance this unique aspect of our shire."

The Draft Indigo Shire Arts Strategic Plan 2012-2016, was developed by council in conjuction with arts and culture advisory committee and local arts organisations.

The draft plan is now open for public comment and can be viewed on the website at www.indigoshire.com.au.