Public Art

Mike Legg and I had the opportunity to be part of the recent Cabarrus Arts Council retreat that learned more about the public art program in Charlotte and explored the possibility of creating public art opportunities locally. It was fascinating to hear about the program in Charlotte, which is managed by the Arts and Science Council. Many other cities across the U.S. have public art programs as well.

The value of public art comes in many subtle forms – enhancing urban design and the pedestrian experience, increasing accessibility and exposure to art, and making a place more engaging where people want to live, work, or visit. Public art is an investment in the long term vibrancy of a community. Public art can make an appearance in many places – plazas, greenways, parks, sidewalks, transit stops, buildings,  embankment walls – and ways – benches, fountains, tree grates/guards, lamp posts, murals, gates, etc.

While it is exciting to have access to the growing arts and culture in Charlotte, what are the possibilities of enhancing the beauty, culture, and history of Kannapolis with public art? Could our future greenways, civic buildings, and other public investments include a component of public art to create lasting impact? The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County both have ordinances that dedicate 1% of public building project budgets to the public art program. That means that a $1 million building would include $10,000 committed to public art. One potential project that is currently being explored here for public art is the Transit Center that is being constructed on Ridge Ave as a joint project between City of Kannapolis and City of Concord.

It would also be great to see elements of public art pop up with private development as well – churches, banks, large developments, retail areas, etc.  This is just one way to create a better built environment in Kannapolis.

For the public art walking tour in Charlotte, click here. For more information and examples of public art, just google it!