Expect to see even more public art in 2016. That’s the prediction from Tony Allegretti, executive director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville.
The organization has for years administered the city’s Art in Public Places program. Created by City Council, the program set aside a small percentage of the construction budget of all public building to commission public art.
Allegretti said even though the city isn’t planning any public construction projects, more art will be installed through corporate and private support.
Looking back on 2015, Allegretti said nearly 900 new arts-related jobs were added locally along with a $60 million increase in annual industry earnings. That brings the annual economic impact of arts and culture to more than $2 billion.
One of 2015’s most significant milestones was the arrival of Courtney Lewis, the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s music director who is conducting his first season.
Allegretti cited the restoration of busts of Robert Burns in Confederate Park and of Ponce de Leon in Friendship Park and of the limestone relief sculptures at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department administration building as key efforts.