Vergennes Public Art Corridor Forum

Vergennes Public Art Corridor Planning Forum

Gathering/Kickoff/Open House to Solicit Community Engagement

Vergennes, VT – The City of Vergennes was recently awarded a $10,000 municipal planning grant through the Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development. The award provide the impetus develop a master plan for a ‘Public Art Corridor’ that will to link the historic downtown core with the City’s parks, Otter Creek Basin, and gateway entrances.

The Vergennes community is invited to attend a planning forum at the Vergennes Opera House Thursday, June 2, 2022 at 6:00pm. The gathering will provide a fun visual and interactive introduction as we explore the possibilities for art (both permanent and temporary) and sites throughout the city. Families and children of all ages are welcome.

Proposed works of public art will support, complement and connect new and existing pedestrian infrastructure as well as increase the walkability and livability throughout the corridor. Public art aesthetically enhances the public realm, supporting the local economy and regional tourism. “Public art will strengthen Vergennes brand and make connections to the region’s history, ecology, people and culture”, states Ron Redmond, City Manager. The process of this project will be as significant and meaningful as the product.

Plan goals are to:

• Bring new vibrancy to public spaces throughout the Vergennes.
• Strengthen pedestrian connections throughout the historic downtown and the Route 7 ‘gateway’ into Vergennes. Increase walkability in the downtown on Main between Park Street and Water Street.
• Support brick and mortar retail and dining.
• Strengthen the connection between people and place.
• Create new opportunities for regional, local and emerging artists to participate, learn and connect with our community.
• Increase opportunities for public-private partnerships through the development of public art pieces.
• Celebrate Vergennes history, culture, ecology and community through the process of art and place making.

The grant is a collaboration between Vergennes Partnership and the City of Vergennes with consult aid from the Addison County Regional Planning Commission.

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For more information:
Julie Basol, Vergennes Partnership
VergennesPartnership@gmail.com
802.598.7424