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Central Coast Voices: Why is public art important?

Broadcast date: 4/9/2015

The purpose of public art is not only to enrich the community and improve our quality of life through its ability to enrich an environment, but also to ignite the imagination, encourage thought and to prompt discourse. Public art benefits the community through placemaking, bringing people together, and can be used as a tool in economic development.

According to the 2013 ACTION survey, over one-third of San Luis Obispo County residents attended a gallery show, visual arts exhibit, or other type of similar art activity, showing that there is a high demand for public art. However, a majority said they were concerned about access to cultural opportunities in their community, demonstrating a need for greater opportunities to engage with art. Providing a greater awareness of current artistic endeavors, as well as creating new opportunities for public art will benefit everyone.

Join host Fred Munroe as he speaks with guests from the San Luis Obispo arts community: Angela Tahti, the new executive director of ARTS ObispoSLO City Public Arts Coordinator Melissa Mudgett; and artist Allen Root as they discuss the importance of public art and the accessibility and benefits of free arts to the community.

Central Coast Voices is sponsored by ACTION for Healthy Communities in collaboration with KCBX and made possible through underwriting by Joan Gellert-Sargen.

Fred Munroe is a co-host of the KCBX talk show Central Coast Voices, heard every Thursday afternoon from 1:00-2:00. Fred has successfully divided his time as a local entrepreneur, political leader, and communicator. He owns and manages two local firms addressing personal travel planning and public transportation; Travel With Fred and Ridership Development Consultants.