Overview

Overview

The City of Roanoke views arts and culture as integral to the community by recognizing the potential of arts and culture to enhance the quality of life for Roanoke’s citizens, increase tourism, support education and stimulate the economy.

The City also recognizes public art as a tool to create livable cities, create a heightened sense of place and community identity, enliven the visual quality of public space and enrich the spirit and pride of its citizens.

The public art program in the City of Roanoke was established in 2002 and the Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) was later charged with the development of a detailed plan for public art. After enlisting the assistance of an intern and researching public art programs around the country it became clear that the RAC, at that time without dedicated staff, needed the help of a professional. In early 2004 City Council approved the hiring of a consultant to work with the RAC on the development of a plan. Later that year Barney & Worth Inc. of Portland, Oregon and Olympia, Washington was engaged. Also participating in the process was a representative of the Regional Arts & Culture Council of Portland, Oregon.

The RAC asked a fifteen member steering committee of citizens to guide the process of the development of a public art plan. Through a series of four public workshops, numerous surveys and stakeholder interviews the community was asked to dream about public art in the City of Roanoke. The consultants used this feedback to develop “Art for Everyone: Roanoke Public Art Plan.”

Council adopted the plan in April 2006 making it a part of the city’s comprehensive plan. In October 2006 a Public Art Coordinator was hired to oversee the implementation of the plan. In December 2006 Council passed the Public Art Policy giving city staff and the RAC the authority to develop comprehensive guidelines outlining all aspects involved with the implementation of the Public Art Program.

The city commissioned its first public art project under the Percent for Art Program, a permanent 30’ tall stainless steel sculpture by Rodney Carroll of Baltimore. The piece was dedicated at the Roanoke Performing Arts Center in October 2008. That same month the RAC launched the city’s first temporary exhibit “AIR: Art in Roanoke” by placing eight temporary pieces around the city for 18 months. Two other permanent works were installed in Fall 2009: “Reading Garden” by Madeline Wiener of Denver at the Gainsboro Library and “Aspire” a bus shelter by Bassett, VA artist Ed Dolinger and students of Patrick Henry High School.

Another bus shelter and an indoor kinetic sculpture will be installed in the spring of 2010. AIR II is planned for summer of 2010.

For more information contact:

Susan Jennings
Arts and Culture Coordinator
Office of Economic Development
City of Roanoke
Susan.jennings@roanokeva.gov
(540) 853-5652