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Vermont Arts Council tells Senate transportation committee public art can boost safety, tourism and transit use
Summary
The Vermont Arts Council presented examples of public art paired with transportation projects to the Senate Committee on Transportation, citing economic benefits, partnerships with VTrans and Job Corps, and a state grant program that has supported work in at least 29 communities. No formal actions or votes were taken.
BURLINGTON — The Vermont Arts Council told the Senate Committee on Transportation on Feb. 7 that public art projects tied to transportation infrastructure can boost local economies, improve perceptions of safety and encourage transit ridership.
"The Arts Council is the state arts agency … our mission is to cultivate and advance the arts and creativity throughout Vermont," said Susan Evans Lepore, executive director of the Vermont Arts Council, during a presentation to the committee. She said the council awarded just over $3.2 million in FY 2024 and supports artists and cultural organizations across the state.
The council described a series of programs and projects — funded through a mix of federal, state and private dollars — that place artwork in and around transit facilities, sidewalks, bridges, retaining walls and bus shelters. Michelle Bailey, senior program manager and public-art coordinator at the council, described "creative placemaking" projects in Danville, Waterbury, Brattleboro, Bethel, Montpelier, Stowe, North Bennington…
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