A framework for activation creativity and expression

Framework 1 is built around the following three outcome areas:

Outcome Area 1: Activation - creating unique and vibrant places

Public art has key role in connecting people and place. Artworks within the public realm can function as a type of connective tissue generating awareness of our interdependence with the environment and the community. Public art has a recognised role to play in place activation and contributing to the enhancement of spaces in towns and cities. A vibrant and attractive place is also a welcoming place that people will want to spend time in.

Outcome Area 2: Creativity – generating a 'creative milieu'

Art in the public realm involves practices of creativity and innovation in an environmental context. Creativity and innovation are also central to the notion of sustainability. For a place to be sustainable it must be both resilient and flexible having a deep sense of purpose in its design and robust in its construction while being open to interpretation for a range of evolving uses and engagements. Sustainability is an ongoing 'cycle of success' which has social cultural economic and environmental dimensions.

Local government is in an ideal place to support and foster creative environments that will be conducive to creative endeavours such as public art in its many forms. Inherent in the notion of a “creative milieu” is a willingness to nurture activities that are at times unexpected challenging and even confronting. Indeed a culture of experimentation and innovation requires a willingness to take risks and push boundaries.

Outcome Area 3: Expression – giving voice to people place and environment

Artists are creative thinkers innovators story - tellers and symbol makers. Through the process of public art artists can be invited to think about and engage with a specific place site history issue community and the environment. The resulting public artwork can communicate not just an individual's private response but reflect wider significance meanings held in common and thereby enter into public discourse as well as interacting with physical public space.

Public art in its many forms can play a vital role in providing a platform for both individual and community creative and cultural expression. Due to its highly public nature public art that is site specific and rich in local context can create a strong sense of place and communicate civic pride to visitors and residents alike. The involvement in creative processes has recognised community wellbeing and social cohesion outcomes.

Outcome Area 1: Activation – creating unique and vibrant places