Landmarks: Public Art in the Capital Region
A work of art, especially one that lives in a public space, often serves to underline
the gap between the art world and the wider public. Artworks that have their genesis
in public policy in particular are often an exercise in balancing risk and reward
on a number of levels. Some works of public art, for various reasons or perhaps
by their nature can become a lightning rod for commentary and opinion while others,
for reasons of content, time or context seem to fly under the radar.
The artworks contained in this website are the result of the public art programs
of municipal councils in the capital region of greater Victoria that have adopted
public art policies. It is the first time that all the municipally-owned works of
public art are (virtually) accessible in one place.
Navigate through the maps and menus to find public art by municipality and neighborhood
or by specific artists and media. Interested individuals can also find information,
where it exists, on the public art policies of each municipality.
The Capital Regional District is a regional government comprised of 13 municipalities
and three electoral districts on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, British Columbia,
Canada. Seven municipalities, Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, View Royal,
Metchosin and Highlands contribute to the Capital Regional District Arts Development
Service of which four have public art or "Percent for Art" policies in place.
The Landmarks website is a cooperative effort of the municipalities who support
the Arts Development Service of the Capital Regional District and is an extension
of the lecture series of the same name which has presented speakers and discussions
on a wide range of topics relating to public art.