Public art in Dunedin should be making a comeback after a lengthy hiatus, thanks to a new ''in-house'' model of commissioning works.
The Dunedin City Council voted unanimously last week to support a new model that will use the experience of council staff in the arts area and beyond, but also allow community involvement through a ''public art lab''.
Late last year, the council indicated it was ready to get back into funding public art, after slashing the budget in 2012 and putting on hold any new works while its policy was reviewed.
The programme was one of the casualties that year of a council cost-saving drive to keep rates down in the face of shortfalls in dividends.
It followed criticism about the last work installed in Dunedin, Harbour Mouth Molars, in Portsmouth Dr, and a local political storm around the controversial Haka Peep Show, a phallic piece of public art in the Octagon.
On Tuesday, the community and culture committee voted for a staff recommendation for an in-house commissioning model.
A report to the committee said the model would use staff expertise and ''extensive community and art world network connections'', especially in the art gallery, community development and events teams.
The public art lab, a flexible, multipurpose space in the Dunedin Public Art Gallery (DPAG) in which public art opportunities could be tested and refined, would allow public input.
In-house commissioning was chosen over two other options, an independent trust and a council/staff/community panel.
DPAG director Cam McCracken said it was important commissioning was done ''in a transparent way''.
''Good art projects respond to community need, but they are led by some individuals who have the skills and expertise to do that.
''Designs by committee ... that's not what we're advocating.''
However, Mr McCracken said design by committee was one end of a spectrum with people ''going into an office behind closed doors and coming up with stuff'' at the other end.
''We're certainly not advocating that either.
''I think it's imperative that an arts programme does respond to community need and reflects our aspirations.''
Mr McCracken said there was plenty of expertise at the council, including in the art gallery and community arts, and also practical expertise in the parks and gardens and transport departments.
''You've got a very wide pool of expertise that can come together and provide a very joined up process from beginning to end.''
He said the council had undertaken to work with the community on a strategic, long-term commissioning plan for public art works, which would be done in the next 12 months or so.
The next commissioned work would be ''at least 12 months away''.
To get another work under way would be ''fantastic''.
''This is one of the most creative and energetic communities that I've ever lived in,'' he said.
Other such communities, like Wellington, and Melbourne, had a lot of public art activity.
''It will be terrific when we can start delivering on that ambitious public arts programme that befits our city.''
