CAA recently completed a beautiful guidebook to help private developers understand the value of having public art in their projects and to assist them in following a process to bring a public art installation to fruition.
Public art is best exemplified in the relationship between art and space. The most successful public art installations not only inhabit the site in which they are placed, they enhance it through color, design, shape and texture. When commissioning pieces of public artwork, cities aim for a diverse collection of art. As such, installations will vary in medium and placement; some pieces may be interior, others exterior, but all are accessible to the public.
Public Art
CAA is deeply committed to the arts and cultural community through celebrating public art commissions, both public and private, and recognizes the value of public art in our communities. CAA was instrumental in gaining passage of the Clearwater Cultural Plan of which the Public Art & Design Plan is a key element. Furthering that plan, Clearwater passed a Public Art Ordinance in 2006 and this law has components for public art funded by both city and private developers.
Public art is artwork that is in the public realm, regardless of whether it is acquired through public or private funding or a combination. Public art includes everything from more traditional art objects such as sculptures, painting, fountains, and mosaics to more functional elements such paving patterns, lighting, retention walls and railings that are created by an artist.
Clearwater is blessed with an active and growing public art collection. Click here to see a map that identifies all these sites, along with all galleries and performing arts venues. Many of these installations were funded by the City under the Public Art Ordinance, and some have been voluntarily commissioned by private developers. Several local businesses have enhanced our community by supporting public art by incorporating it in their developments. Shining recent examples are BayCare, Sandpearl Resort, and Opal Sands Resort. All have voluntarily commissioned public art pieces that bring beauty and value to their facilities.
