After the ‘risky business’ with Ai Weiwei’s installation, I headed towards Alberni Street, walking up Bute (in Vancouver.) More art surprises awaited me.
Street medallion, Vancouver
The medallions (not manhole covers, as I originally thought) are by Susan A. Point, a Coast Salish artist from British Columbia. Susan Point works in all media: from fine art prints to stained glass windows to House Posts and Welcome Figures….there are many images to enjoy on her website.
It took a bit of research to find out about these artworks. Vancouver has a Public Art Registry, which is amazing in its scope. Imagine living in a city that values public art, AND keeps track of it. (sigh)
In my experience support for the arts and public art, means a heated discussion at the budget table. Library supports are up there too. Often a failure of imagination carries the day. Then these budgets are increased minimally, frozen or even decreased. It’s difficult to convince to people that literacy in the arts is correlated to good health, and that if the next $1M went to the arts and not healthcare, we would be the healthier for it.
Thanks, Diane. What do you suggest as strategies for lobbying for high quality public art?
That is such a complicated question. Will give it more thought and we can discuss the issue one of these days.
Terry, It is such a complicated question. We will have to have a conversation one day. D.
I look forward to the conversation.
Nice boots!
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Ha!