The City of Lethbridge is asking residents to help shape the future of public art in the city.
It’s updating Lethbridge’s Public Art Master Plan, which was originally passed in 2012 and which recognized public art as a key component of Lethbridge culture.
The updated policy reflects the city’s growth, shifting public expectations and recent trends in public art and planning.
The initiative supports the city’s commitment to building a culturally vibrant community.
“Public art is a creative and innovative way to celebrate our community’s identity and aspirations,” said Lethbridge community arts and culture manager Jillian Bracken in a media release. “This update is an opportunity to deepen how public art can help shape our city, elevate community voices and enhance public spaces for everyone.”
To encourage public engagement from Lethbridge residents, the city will host four public art labs throughout April. Everyone is welcome and no prior experience in art of city planning is necessary.
The first art lab will be a film night that takes place Monday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Movie Mill, where two films will be screened: Bending Space: Georges Rousse and the Durham Project, which tells the story of a French artist who creates a grassroots art project to help renew a former tobacco town in the American deep south.
The second film will be Jaume Plensa: Can You Hear Me? It’s a documentary about a sculptor and his work in places ranging from the island of Porquerolles in the south of France to crowded squares in New York and Chicago.
There will be subsequent labs Tuesday April 8 and two on Wednesday, April 9.
“We’re reimagining how public art can activate public spaces, inspire connection and support local artists,” said Lethbridge Allied Arts Council executive director Steven Foord. “This project comes at a critical moment for the arts and for the future of creative placemaking in our city.”
Future engagement will include an online survey, artist-led community events and town hall meetings.
For more information, go here.
