The Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District, in partnership with the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission, unveiled a new web-based application map for a Public Art Tour in Bel Air on Monday, June 7, 2021.
The new story map (http://www.belairartsandentertainment.org/visit/public-art/) encourages residents and visitors to view thirty-eight pieces of public art throughout the Town of Bel Air. Using the map as a guide, the Public Art Tour begins with a two-mile, self-guided walk through downtown featuring images and descriptions of twenty-three sculptures and murals. The tour continues with an additional fifteen pieces accessible within a short drive around Bel Air.
“We are fortunate to have a beautiful collection of public art in Bel Air and we wanted to give the community a way to see the collection and to learn about the pieces and the artists who created them. This map serves as a guide from one location to the next while engaging our residents and visitors with interesting information about each piece of art,” stated Angela Robertson, Bel Air Arts & Entertainment District Manager.
“Since our designation as an Arts & Entertainment District in 2011, we have seen significant growth in our public art landscape. We know that public art serves to create a unique community identity, it reduces stress and contributes to our overall well-being,” continued Robertson. The Town of Bel Air and the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission (BACAC) have funded a number of pieces and the BACAC has also set up guidelines to sponsor property owners who may want to add public art to their buildings (https://www.belairmd.org/205/Cultural-Arts-Commission). Initiatives through the Bel Air Downtown Alliance and local businesses have also grown the collection.
The mission of the Bel Air Arts and Entertainment District is to promote and enhance arts and entertainment offerings and opportunities to create a unique and vibrant community where people and businesses want to live, work and play.
For more information, contact the Department of Economic Development at 410-838-0584.