Art is on the inside

The Tasmanian Government Art Site Scheme is celebrating more than thirty years of commissioning artworks by Tasmanian artists in public spaces.

Established in 1979, the scheme (formerly the Art for Public Buildings Scheme and renamed in 2009), was the first of its kind in Australia. Its creation demonstrated a visionary understanding of the way in which artworks can enrich public buildings and spaces.

Reflecting the diversity and skill of the Tasmanian artistic community and creating a vital public interface for artists, the scheme also has the unique ability to enhance public access to and understanding of contemporary art.

Funding for the Tasmanian Government Art Site Scheme comes from the State Government capital works budget, with a percentage of the forecasted budget allocated for the acquisition or commissioning of new artworks.

During its 32 year history, the scheme has commissioned approximately 500 artists and created over 1500 inspiring public artworks that can be enjoyed and contemplated in more than 500 locations across Tasmania.

Traditionally, public art is incorporated into the city streetscape, however the majority of artworks commissioned through the Tasmanian Government Art Site Scheme are housed in places that people visit every day – beautifying many of our schools, hospitals, community health centres, child and family centres and other government buildings. These artworks have been created specifically to enrich and enhance our public places and inspire the people who visit and work in them.

So even though these public artworks may not be where you would expect them to be, they are indeed being seen and enjoyed by a great number of people throughout the course of their daily lives.

Next time you visit your local hospital or school, have a look around – there’s a good chance that there’s some amazing public art just waiting to be discovered.

Click here to find out more about the Tasmanian Government Art Site Scheme and for information on how to apply for current commissions.

Image: Enlighten, 2011 - Loz Abberton (St Helens Child and Family Centre)
Photograph: Courtesy of the artist