Since the installation of “Traveling Light” by inges idee from Berlin, a “waste of government money” controversy was made serious when Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi declared the sculpture “awful.” The sculpture 17 meters tall, bright blue and sports two replica lampposts sprouting from its top. It came with a $470,000 price tag.
After the Giant Blue Ring controversy, Calgary has changed its public art policy.
1. Reduced funding, but still up to $4 million per year.
2. Selection panels add two community members. Now 3 arts professional, one city staff and 3 community members.
3. More education for local artists to compete for commissions
4. More required community engagement by artists while developing artwork
5. Functional artworks now permitted
Calgary has grown so fast that the funding for public art has exceed $30 million in the last 10 years.
