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PoCo wants public input on public art

When most people think of city services, road maintenance and garbage collection are often the first things that come to mind.

When most people think of city services, road maintenance and garbage collection are often the first things that come to mind.

But according to Yvonne Chui, Port Coquitlam's arts and culture co-ordinator, there are certain intangibles the city should also have a hand in developing.

Public art can create a sense of community and a connection to the past, which Chui said can be just as important as infrastructure maintenance and land use decisions.

And she is asking for PoCo residents' input as the city begins the process of developing a public art policy, which will create guidelines and encourage the creation of public art pieces in the municipality.

"[Public art] gives a place character and identity," she said. "Rather than this just being another downtown or another industrial area, it takes the blandness out."

For a city the size of PoCo, Chui said it is important public art pieces are at an appropriate scale. She suggests a more nuanced approach, adding small pieces or designs to things such as manhole covers or the sides of bridges.

The city is also encouraging developers to include public art pieces in their blueprints when building in Port Coquitlam and Chui said she would eventually like to see statues and murals become a mandatory part of the development application process.

The city has already launched several of its own initiatives, like the art wraps placed on utility boxes and the mural project in the Shaughnessy Street underpass.

"It doesn't have to be massive or big," she said. "It is just an opportunity to make it look a little more human... It gives a bit of meaning to things."

Helen Daniels, the executive director of ArtsConnect, said the development of a public art policy is a step in the right direction and shows people art is important to the community. She would like to see public art that encourages community participation, giving residents an opportunity to leave their mark on their neighbourhood.

"You don't have to be a hired artist," she said. "It is great when the whole community is involved."

HAVE YOUR SAY

The first public input session will be held May 26 between 5 and 7 p.m. at the Farmers Market at Leigh Square. An online survey will be available at www.portcoquitlam.ca/arts from May 26 until June 25. The public input will be collected and a second feedback session will take place on June 30, where a draft policy framework will be presented.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com