For Immediate Release: 3/8/2019 3:21 pm
The City of Worcester’s Department of Public Works & Parks (DPW&P) and Executive Office of Economic Development, in partnership with the Worcester Cultural Coalition, will host a public information meeting for the City’s Wayfinding Plan on Wednesday, March 13, at 6 p.m., at the Worcester PopUp, 20 Franklin Street.
The purpose of the meeting is to review the public art component of the Wayfinding Plan. City of Worcester staff will discuss the ongoing initiative to provide a system of place-making signage that emphasizes district identification and incorporates public art that welcomes visitors and promotes the city’s rich culture.
“The creation of this new wayfinding system is essential for growth, particularly in the area of cultural tourism and economic development,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. “With the breadth and caliber of cultural organizations within the city, and the related hundreds of creative events and activities presented to the public, this system will greatly enhance the experience of visiting Worcester for the more than 2.7 million visitors we draw annually.”
“Through creative thinking and problem solving, Worcester has established an identity that highlights its history of innovation and the diversity of its residents as it thrives as a prosperous creative city,” said Cultural Development Officer Erin I. Williams. “The Wayfinding Plan emerged from this creative spirit, bringing together different communities to work toward promoting quality of life in our great city. It brings to life the history of Worcester through artistsic expression.”
The presentation will provide an overview of the public art component of the Wayfinding Plan with opportunities to engage in conversation with DPW&P and other city staff. Public art is an integral component of the Wayfinding Plan, and artwork for 14 District Identifier wayfinding signs will be commissioned through a call to artists. The installations will feature art panels that explore and reflect Worcester’s history, culture and community in creative and interesting ways. A committee composed of representatives from the arts community throughout Worcester identified key themes for the artwork that offer residents and visitors a sense of place. The Request for Proposals for the District Identifier artwork is expected to be issued later this month.
