The City of Dade City uses outdoor public art displays to increase interest in downtown and throughout the area by residents and visitors alike.
The Dade City Center for the Arts (DCCA) partnered with the City to facilitate an outdoor, permanent public art exhibit that brought large heart sculptures to nearly a dozen city-owned properties downtown. The 3D metal sculptures, measuring approximately 36 inches by 36 inches by 8 inches, are attached to 6-foot steel posts secured to the ground. Artwork patterns differ on each structure.
The entire project was facilitated by DCCA and local artist and gallery owner Russ Taylor. DCCA’s Board of Directors enlisted the help of professionals and youth groups to submit ideas and designs. The Board selected artists to paint the myriad sculptures.
Also, the art organization partnered with Pasco-Hernando State College’s welding program to fabricate metal structures designed to withstand inclement weather and other conditions. A local car dealer assisted with the priming and coating of the hearts before installation. A local construction company assisted with the final installation.
The initiative is meant to make the downtown area even more attractive and provide a way to use public artwork as a photo opportunity and marketing tool.
The premise is that the art displays will encourage residents and visitors to stroll throughout the City. More frills included installing QR codes on each sculpture. The codes link to information about a particular artist or the meaning of the artwork as well as locations of city landmarks.
The entire concept is like outdoor art events in other cities that bring together artists’ creativity with a sculptural icon that relates to the city. In Dade City’s case, its official seal has a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center.
City leaders expressed enthusiasm and support for the public art project. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive said, “I think art’s a great thing. It’s a great motivator for the young people. I think it’s going to be great to have art in Dade City.” Mayor Camille Hernandez added, “We look forward to seeing it come to fruition and just adding that creative touch and some excitement for the town.”
Dade City staffers are likewise very supportive of the installation of public art objects, said Melanie Romagnoli, the City’s Community and Economic Development Director. Romagnoli said that “for the locations within our CRA [Community Redevelopment Agency] as well as in our comprehensive plan for the entire city, public art is encouraged as part of an attraction, as a destination for people to come visit.”
The initiative is meant to make the downtown area even more attractive and provide a way to use public artwork as a photo opportunity and marketing tool. The premise is that the art displays will encourage residents and visitors to stroll throughout the City. More frills included installing QR codes on each sculpture. The codes link to information about a particular artist or the meaning of the artwork as well as locations of city landmarks.
The entire concept is like outdoor art events in other cities that bring together artists’ creativity with a sculptural icon that relates to the city. In Dade City’s case, its official seal has a heart shape surrounded by kumquats in its center.
City leaders expressed enthusiasm and support for the public art project. Mayor Pro Tem Jim Shive said, “I think art’s a great thing. It’s a great motivator for the young people. I think it’s going to be great to have art in Dade City.” Mayor Camille Hernandez added, “We look forward to seeing it come to fruition and just adding that creative touch and some excitement for the town.”
Dade City staffers are likewise very supportive of the installation of public art objects, said Melanie Romagnoli, the City’s Community and Economic Development Director. Romagnoli said that “for the locations within our CRA [Community Redevelopment Agency] as well as in our comprehensive plan for the entire city, public art is encouraged as part of an attraction, as a destination for people to come visit.”
By Angie Guy, City of Dade City
The City of Dade City, population 7,402, is located in Pasco County.
