This strategy focuses on involving community members in the planning and design process for public art and placemaking initiatives. By ensuring community voices are heard and incorporated, the projects become a reflection of shared values and needs. This approach fosters local pride, ownership, and long-term support for public art.

Actions:

• Form a diverse advisory committee (Public Art and Placemaking Advisory Committee - PAPAC).
• Define Program Framework
• Prioritize Youth Engagement:

Assemble a diverse group of artists, designers, educators, local business owners, and community leaders.

Establish key elements of the Public Art and Placemaking Program to guide its implementation and ensure consistency. This includes outlining program goals, funding mechanisms, project criteria, and processes for artist selection, community engagement, and maintenance. A clear structure will support long-term success and adaptability of the program. See appendices for sample templates.

Involve schools and youth organizations in public art projects to foster early appreciation and involvement.

Mapping involves identifying existing resources, spaces, and opportunities within the town for potential public art projects. This includes evaluating underutilized areas, available funding sources, and community strengths. By understanding these assets, the town can make strategic decisions to maximize the impact of public art initiatives.

Actions:

• Map Local Assets
  Create an inventory of local artists and public spaces to identify opportunities for collaboration and potential sites for public art and placemaking projects. This action ensures that the framework reflects the community’s existing talent and resources.
• Foster Partnerships
  Collaborate with businesses and community groups to identify opportunities for public art events and placemaking initiatives. These partnerships strengthen community engagement, attract resources, and amplify the impact of projects.

Pilot projects test small-scale public art and placemaking initiatives to evaluate their feasibility, community response, and effectiveness. These temporary or small installations allow for experimentation and provide insights that inform larger, more permanent projects. Pilot projects are a low-risk way to build excitement and momentum around public art.

Actions:

• Test with Temporary Art
  Launch temporary installations to gauge public interest and gather feedback. These projects serve as low-risk opportunities to experiment with different concepts and assess community engagement before committing to permanent installations.
• Activate Spaces with Events
  Host placemaking events such as Culture Days and pop-up art exhibitions to bring people together, transform public spaces, and spark conversations about the role of art in the community. These events create immediate vibrancy and showcase the potential of creative placemaking.

This strategy focuses on securing diverse and sustainable funding sources, including municipal budgets, grants, sponsorships, and community fundraising. Additionally, partnerships with local businesses, schools, and cultural organizations are cultivated to share resources, enhance project visibility, and ensure long-term program sustainability.

Actions:

• Pursue Grant Opportunities
  Apply for grants to fund public art and placemaking projects. Seeking external funding ensures financial sustainability and helps expand the scope of creative initiatives.
• Partner with Local Businesses
  Collaborate with local businesses to secure sponsorships for public art initiatives. These partnerships offer financial and in-kind support while strengthening ties between the business community and cultural development.

Building public understanding and appreciation for public art is key to its success. This strategy involves creating workshops, events, and educational campaigns to teach residents about the value of public art and placemaking. Awareness initiatives ensure widespread community support and inspire active participation in projects.

Actions:

• Educate the Community
  Run public workshops to inform residents about the benefits of public art. These sessions build awareness, foster appreciation, and encourage community involvement in shaping Innisfail’s public spaces.
• Support Artist Capacity
  Offer professional development sessions for local artists to enhance their skills and expand their capacity to contribute to public art initiatives. These programs empower artists to play a key role in the town’s cultural development.