The City Centre is filled with works of art
that stand as testimony to Edmonton’s dedication to beauty
Words and pictures by Layla Dart
PUBLIC ART adds life, beauty and colour to a city. From abstract sculptures to interactive art work, it’s hard to walk far in the City Centre without coming across a piece of art. In the City of Edmonton’s Public Art Collection, there are over 200 works that have been commissioned to brighten up our streets, train stations, and parks.
When it comes to funding these pieces, the Percent for Art Program, adopted in 199, allocates one per cent of the construction budget of any publicly accessible project to commission public art. This program is directed by the Edmonton Arts Council.
“Public art is interesting because it’s not the the same as art in public spaces,” says David Turnbull, Director of Public Art & Conservation at the Edmonton Arts Council. “Public art as a practice really looks to address the public, public spaces, and how we interact with one another in those spaces.”