Public Art

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Burlington Public Art Program

The term public art refers to artwork that has been created with the specific intention of being sited or staged in a public space. The City of Burlington's Public Art Program enhances the quality of life for residents by bringing the work of recognized artists to the city centre and neighbourhoods throughout Burlington. Established in 2009, Burlington's Public Art Program is a Council approved system of processes that guide how artwork is commissioned, acquired and managed. Learn more about current public art projects and engagement opportunities on the Public Art website.

Civic Square Public Art - Tell Us What You Think!

In 2019, Civic Square will be undergoing a renewal project. The main objectives of the project are to improve accessibility and overall character of the space, and to better support the community and local downtown businesses. As part of this project, the public art program is commissioning a series of artist-designed shade structures. A community jury has selected three finalists (Louise deLorme, RAW DESIGN and Ron Baird) to develop preliminary artwork designs. Now we want your feedback!

The City of Burlington invites residents to provide feedback on three artwork design concepts for public art shade structures in Civic Square. The artwork concepts will be on display from May 13 to 27 at City Hall and at the Central Branch of Burlington Public Library. Residents can also view the concepts online and provide feedback.

The public art shade structure will:

Provide cooling and shade to Civic Square,

Complement existing uses and programming of the space,
Create a playful space that brings people together.

Art and the City - Burlington's Downtown Public Art Walking Tour

The City of Burlington is excited to launch Art and the City, a self-guided downtown public art walking tour. Art and the City is available online and accessible from any mobile device. The free web app offers a new way explore Burlington’s downtown and learn about public art in the process. The web-based map works across all platforms and allows residents and visitors to tour highlights from the public art collection using any internet-enabled smartphone or tablet. A limited number of printed guidebooks will soon be available at all city facilities, the Art Gallery of Burlington, Burlington Performing Arts Centre, Burlington Public Library, Museums of Burlington and Tourism Burlington. Art and the City is also available in PDF format to download, save and print.

Public Art Map

Public art helps to tell the story of our community. Burlington's public art collection is now available online and accessible from your computer, tablet and mobile device. Explore over 85 public artworks throughout the city. View images, locations and artwork information on Burlington's Public Art Map.

Public Art Master Plan

On July 16, 2018, Council approved a Public Art Master Plan Update. Starting in 2019 and running until 2028, this plan provides a framework for the City's Public Art Program by identifying opportunities and priorities for:

public art projects,
program scope,
site selection guidelines,
funding strategy,
governance structure, and
management of the program.

On July 6, 2009, Council approved the Public Art Master Plan. The plan went into effect in 2009, expiring in 2018 with the approval of the public art master plan update.

Public Art Policy

As part of the Public Art Master Plan, Council approved a revised Public Art Policy. The policy guides the Public Art Program and provides a mechanism through which the City can acquire public art for municipally-owned public spaces through its purchase, commission or donation.

Community Initiated Public Art

The Community Initiated Public Art Policy guides the development and implementation of community initiated public art projects. The policy ensures that all community projects align with the identified vision of the Public Art Policy. The Community Initiated Public Art Policy guides citizens through participation in the creative process and the development of art that adds vibrancy to a neighbourhood and showcases local stories.

Private Sector Public Art

The Private Sector Public Art Policy guides the integration of public art into privately owned public places in Burlington. This policy provides Council, staff, developers, the arts community, and public with a mechanism through which the City of Burlington encourages the inclusion of public art in all significant private sector development across the City.