Public art is considered a key component of the attractiveness and identity of a city. It demonstrates the character of communities, strengthens the local economy through an investment in the arts, and is a reflection of a progressive municipality.
Public art is art exists in the public realm and is free and accessible to. It takes many forms. It can be a painting hanging in a public building or a sculpture in a park. It can be an event, an installation of film, video, or sound, or even a temporary installation in a public space. It can be indoors or outdoors, integrated into the site or free-standing, or even functional, like a bench or lamp post. Artworks can be permanent or transitory.
In Edmonton, citizens can experience art as part of their day-to-day lives, whether taking their children to the library, working out at the gym, taking a trip to the Eco Station or riding the LRT. It is a way of encouraging interaction with public space, art and the community.
The City of Edmonton Public Art Collection is a collection of artworks that the City has acquired in various ways over its history: some may have commemorated a special event, some may have been gifts to the City. Many of the artworks acquired in recent years have been generated by the City’s Percent for Art to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas Policy.
Cities across North America acquire public art through Percent for Art programs that are based on a percentage of annual capital budget expenditures (1-2% is standard).
The City of Edmonton established its Percent for Art to Provide and Encourage Art in Public Areas policy in 1991 (revised in 2007).
Edmonton's Percent for Art policy ensures that when the City undertakes construction on a project that will be accessible by the public, one percent of the eligible construction budget is allocated to the development of art that enriches the city and is accessible to everyone.
The Edmonton Arts Council directs the City's Percent for Art policy, and provides and vision for and stewardship of the City of Edmonton Public Art Collection.
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