ENHANCE WITH ART. Whether in the form of banners, sculptures, or murals, public art demonstrates the City’s commitment to arts and culture. In addition to enhancing the aesthetic quality of the streets and other public spaces, it helps create a sense of place that is uniquely Manchester. Manchester should support the expansion of the collection of public art throughout the City. The City can curate art through investments in major public facilities, streetscape, public space upgrades; private development and other reserves; improvements to the civic and institutional sites (i.e., City facilities and hospital and college campuses); grassroots efforts; and other mechanisms.
improvements are already occurring organically. For example, the murals along “Cat Alley” makes the connection from Elm Street to Hampshire Lane an exciting walk. Such artistic enhancements should be encouraged with few limitations to add some personality to the edges of public spaces. As an unexpected break from the repetitive pattern of trees, lighting, and pavement, such private contributions at a very small, sitelevel scale can help add interest to the streetscape. Manchester Connects. Build on the work of Manchester Connects, such as The Loop event, an initiative to boost the City’s image with art.
Public Art Master Plan. The Art Commission should play an active role in determining public art selection and placement through planning and implementing a master plan for public art. The Art Commission should also be an advocacy group, encouraging and facilitating the incorporation of art and culture in the residents’ daily lives. Such master plans are instrumental in obtaining grants from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and similar agencies. Small-scale
initiatives.
Some
A PAINTED UTILITY BOX BY AIMEE COZZA BRIGHTENS THE STREETSCAPE. “THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX” WAS A PUBLIC ART PROJECT THAT TRANSFORMED TWELVE DOWNTOWN TRAFFIC SIGNAL BOXES INTO CANVASES FOR THE ORIGINAL WORK OF THREE LOCAL ARTISTS. (NEFA.ORG)
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Plan Manchester 2021