Heartland: Shaping Hedland's Public Art Strategy
We want you to have a say in the creation of the Town's Public Art Strategy. We want your voice to form the foundation of the strategy, which will serve as a framework for Council to decide how public art is commissioned, procured and planned for the future. Our vision is for Hedland to be a HEARTLAND, a place with a beating pulse of culture, history and creativity threaded through its public art, highly visible and there for all.
Public art is highly visible and there for all, telling a place based story to locals and tourist alike. It's a collective reflection of a place's culture, history and creativity, reflecting on a past, present and future identity. Hedland's place in the Pilbara is defined by thousands of years of Kariyarra, Ngarla and Nyamal culture, with forms of creative expression unique to anywhere in the world. The rich tapestry of traditional culture and lore lives on in the present day, complimented by a burgeoning community of start-up creatives embracing digital technology.
Please see below for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
WHAT IS A PUBLIC ART STRATEGY?
A Public Art Strategy is a document which guides an organisation in the creation of new public art works and programs. It will provide Council and the community with a framework for deciding how public art is commissioned, procured and planned for the future. A strong public art strategy seeks to cultivate public art which is highly visible and there for all, telling a place based story to locals and tourists.
Hedland's Public Art Strategy is a key action in the Town's Arts and Culture Strategy 2019-2022: "Undertake a Public Art Strategy, informed by public consultation, to compliment this Arts and Culture Strategy. The strategy should provide a vision for public art across the Town and provide a framework for commissions and community-led art."
WHAT IS A HEARTLAND?
A HEARTLAND is a place with a beating pulse of culture, history and creativity threaded through its public art, highly visible and there for all. The Public Art Strategy's vision is for Hedland to become a Heartland.
HOW WILL THE STRATEGY DELIVER BEST PRACTIce IN FUTURE PUBLIC ART ACTIVITY?
- Respect and enhance the cultural heritage of the region
- Set directions which encourage the integration of art(s) at all levels of Council
- Develop set guiding principles for the future of public art in the Town of port Hedland
- Provide opportunities for artists in creative place activation projects using ephemeral, temporary and permanent public art
- Encourage activation of artistic, creative and innovative endeavors throughout the Town
- Increase awareness among key stakeholders of the value and role of public art
- Celebrate the diverse cultural history and strong community identity of the Town of Port Hedland
- Provide a framework for evaluating the success of the Strategy using measures
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A PUBLIC ART STRATEGY?
A Public Art Strategy means public art projects can be planned for over the long term, aligning with the views of the community. It serves as a blueprint for how works should be procured and what areas should be prioritised. For example, does the community desire a greater focus on public art which celebrates traditional owners? Is their an appetite for more public sculpture constructions? Having the answers to questions like this is what the strategy will achieve.
Public art's power in communicating a place's identity is complimented by tangible economic, social and environmental benefits. Commissioning local creatives to produce public works of art supports local job creation, creates a sense of belonging and can incorporate recycled and sustainable materials to reduce environmental footprints. Once a strategy is adopted, Officers can start the process of engaging local creatives to produce new and exciting works of public art.
HOW WILL WE ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY?
Community engagement to inform the development of the Strategy will be held from 8 to 26 June 2020. The Town will utilise preparation surveys, focus group sessions, community surveys and online polls to obtain data. Advertising will run across radio, newspaper, social media and digital website banners. You can access the survey link at the top of this page.