Public Art in WALKArlington Projects
Arlington's vision for a walkable community is comprehensive and multi-dimensional. It's about safety and convenience, events and programs. But what makes WALKArlington unique is the program's central idea that the experience of walking should also be pleasing to the senses-the eye in particular. In fact, the WALKArlington project was born of an interest in creating an arts-enhanced special walkway in the Ballston area of the County, and grew from there. And public art and urban design remain at the project's core to this day.
WALKArlington envisions distinctive major streets, special public walkways and public places. These remain the primary opportunities for public art in the Rosslyn-Ballston (R-B) Corridor, where WALKArlington pilot project activities are focused. WALKArlington-related public art allows for a wide range of artist contributions to the pedestrian environment. Artists could work on design teams for architectural, landscape or streetscape projects; design special WALKArlington markers or other independent endeavors; or even organize temporal projects.
In September 2000, the Arlington County Board established a Public Art Policy for the County, dedicating a part of the capital budget to public art, and directing that projects be located in prominent places. A Public Art Master Plan, one tool for implementing this policy, was recently completed. The plan recommends a coordinated approach to public art projects in the R-B Corridor, whether they are funded as part of County projects, private development or other initiatives. The plan focuses on public squares, parks and streets and on public improvements and identify priority locations for civic art projects in each R-B Corridor sector (Metro station area). These projects may be funded as County capital projects, through developer contributions, or a combination of both.
For additional information on the County's public art program, please visit the Cultural Affairs Division website.
