Growth in support of public art does not necessarily ensure an innovative approach or commitment to good practice…

by Louise Mor, 1 Jun 2008

As with the Victorian Markets commission, it is likely that an increasing number of public art projects will require planning permission, or will have a connection to the planning system and process.

A propensity for a broad range of public art has been developed in Inverness, spurred by the success of projects like ‘Imagining the Centre.’ Latterly, the projects that exist within the Inverness Old Town Art project embrace the wider social, economic and physical characteristics of place, through the rejuvenation of Inverness old town. The holistic approach facilitated by Inverness Old Town Art enables consideration to be given to the overall, qualities of the development and extends opportunity for dialogue with stakeholders that could open further, lateral opportunities.

In April I attended a presentation given by Inverness Old Town Art, Lead Artist Matt Baker along with Inverness City Partnership Officer, Marie Mackintosh. Planners from across the highlands gathered at Great Glen House the Scottish Natural Heritage HQ. The attendance of a planning officer from Shetland was warmly welcome. Matt Baker’s presentation previewed projects that stretched geographically from America to Glasgow. Primarily, it focussed a debate that asked how public art could engage artists more widely in the planning and development process, whilst being better aligned to the planning system. The event was organised by the Highland Council’s Principal Planner, Jim Harbison, whom as a member of the Inverness Old Town Art Steering Group, has a developed understanding and interest in the underlying value of public art in Inverness.

So, does this recognition and growing awareness of public art in Inverness, prompt a need to adopt a more strategic approach to its delivery?

Any such strategy or vision document for public art would give clear guidance on how to maximize opportunities for the inclusion of public art in new developments. Aimed at artists, council officers and other private sector professionals it would reach more widely those involved in regeneration and design, with potential for further advocacy, critical debate and skills development, across a broad spectrum.