Throughout the latter part of the 1990's, efforts to increase public art installations throughout Cary had become more widespread. As the momentum increased it became very apparent that the community aspired to create a lasting impression of Cary for all who visited. After CVA was incorporated as a non-profit in 1997, many public artworks were placed throughout Cary. In 1998, the Cary Town Council adopted a Public Art Policy for the Town and began a formal process for accepting public art pieces. Thanks to CVA volunteer efforts, community members and businesses developed an increasing recognition that public art could enhance the quality of life in Cary. As a result, it was suggested that a comprehensive public art master plan be developed. The plan was viewed as a mechanism to "direct" the implementation of public artworks in Cary for the next five years. It was envisioned that a public art master plan would provide a prudent framework for future public art efforts.
In February 2000, the Public Art Master Plan Steering Committee was appointed by Council to serve as a mechanism for inviting broad citizen input in the development of various aspects of the plan. The committee was composed of representatives from the following groups: 2 representatives from Cary Visual Art, 2 representatives from the Fine Arts League of Cary, 1 representative from the Chamber of Commerce, 1 representative from the Planning Department, 1 representative from the Appearance Commission, 1 representative from the Planning and Zoning Board, 1 representative from the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board, 1 representative from the Cultural Arts Committee, and 4 citizens-at-large. In addition to monthly task force meetings, the master plan process included one on one and group interviews with Town leadership and arts groups, a community-based public art and design charrette, and research. Research included the Town of Cary Land Use Plan, Cary Design Guidelines, Town of Cary Parks, Greenways, and Bikeways Master Plan, Cary Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports 1998 through 2000, Town of Cary Capital Development Budget and Plans 1999 and 2000, Around and About Cary by Thomas Byrd and Jerry Miller, and land use, planning, and other maps.
The Public Art Advisory Board was formed so that the objectives of the Public Art Master Plan could be implemented. This nine member Board reviews, makes recommendations and provides advice on all matters relating to development of public art in Cary.
For more information about Cary's Public Art Master Plan please contact Denise Dickens, Public Art Coordinator for the Town of Cary at 919-465-4791 or denise.dickens@townofcary.org. To view the Town of Cary Public Art Master Plan, click here.