WHY DOES GLENWOOD SPRINGS NEED A PUBLIC ART PLAN?

As our city works to recover from the unprecedented impacts of both the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Grizzly Creek Fire the Glenwood Springs Public Art Master Plan (which began in late 2019) presents an opportunity to help enliven and inspire our city through defining and projecting our signature to the region and the State of Colorado. Our plan will set the standard for how we begin to implement and enjoy public art while also embracing our community’s spirit and artistic expressions.

Public art helps us celebrate our heritage, communicate our direction, and characterize our sense of place. Public art can be used to activate space and invigorate our community. Thoughtfully implemented art can define Glenwood Springs and convey our spirit and energy to ourselves and our visitors. We want to build on the foundation of the great murals, sculptures and artifacts that represent the artists of Glenwood Springs.

HOW CAN PUBLIC ART TRANSFORM A CITY?

Art in public places adds meaning and context to our public spaces, reflects the history of our city, adds uniqueness to our neighborhoods, and humanizes our built environment. Public art provides the intersection between our past, present, and future, and also has the power to transform our city because an investment in public art creates a gain in social, economic, and cultural value.

Social Value: When people see themselves reflected in their civic spaces, they have a sense of attachment that allows them to feel ownership and respect.

Economic Value: Enhancing the identity and character of Glenwood Springs through public art directly supports cultural tourism and economic development strategies, which can attract and retain residents.

Cultural Value: Public Art has the power to create uniqueness through the reflection of the local history and culture which gives communities a sense of place and identity. 

CONTRIBUTE TO THE PLAN

Anyone who lives, works, or invests in the City of Glenwood Springs is encouraged to be involved in shaping the Glenwood Springs Public Art Master Plan. Here’s how:

1. Take the survey. Take our Survey and tell us about arts and culture in Glenwood Springs

2. Get creative. Think about what makes Glenwood Springs interesting, unique, a great place to visit or a great place to call home… then send us those thoughts via photos, renderings, sketches, essays, short stories, ideas, tall tales and one-liners. Just use the “Submit Image or Idea” button below

3. Join a focus group. Focus groups will meet via Zoom with the Designing Local planning team. Groups will be limited to 20 participants Please use the button below to schedule via Calendly. If you would like to set up a focus group for a specific organization or group, please contact Josh Lapp at josh@designinglocal.com.

SAMPLE PUBLIC ART

HOW WILL THIS IMPACT THE PLACEMAKING EFFORTS THROUGHOUT GLENWOOD SPRINGS?

Creative placemaking is a process that places arts at the center of shaping the character and vitality of neighborhoods, cities, towns, and regions. It is an innovative approach to advancing objectives of livability and equity. Creative placemaking occurs when people from all throughout the community come together to deliberately integrate art and culture into community revitalization work- placing arts at the table with land use, transportation, economic development, education, housing, infrastructure, and public safety strategies.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE FOR THE PUBLIC ART MASTER PLAN?

January 2020 - October 2020: Information Gathering and Research, Project Planning

October - December 2020: Community Engagement

January - February 2021: Master Plan Writing

March 2021: Community Review of Recommendations

April 2021: Community Presentation of Final Public Art Master Plan

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