One new idea for every day in 2011. We're talking big, small, local, international, in action and on the drawing board. Here's today's -- what's yours?
Close to 40 people gathered in a north-Scottsdale conference room last night to talk public art and master planning.
The discussion was hosted by Scottsdale Public Art (SPA), a 25 year old program, whose board wanted nothing other than to hear the public's opinion on the importance of public art, the successes of and failures of past projects, and suggestions for the future.
Director Valerie Vadala Homer stated plainly: SPA's open to ideas
(a concept we happen to love), which you can bring to tonight's master
plan meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sky Song in Scottsdale, or send to the
board members, through the contact info found on its website.
SPA's in phase two of its "Master Planning" process -- aiming to
establish public art as a "a competitive
tool, strengthening the economy, tourism development, education, youth
development, community development, and many other elements of civic
life," according to its mission statement.
More than a history lesson or a chance to rub elbows, last night was an opportunity for the public (supplied with plenty of coffee) to
speak up in group discussions about publicly funded projects, such as
the Soleri Bridge, the Waterfront, and the countless sculptures and
projects installed around the city, as well as the importance of
funding and education.
For more information about tonight's event, check out the facebook invite, or visit the SPA website.