City launches iPhone app for art

Calgary's public art collection is going high-tech as the city puts some works on display on an iPhone app.

The smart-phone application available as a free download gives users a guided tour of 16 artworks in the city's downtown public art circuit.

"The artworks included in the tour span a four block radius in Calgary's centre city," said Dianne Quan, program coordinator for the public art program.

"The iPhone app lets people do the tour on their own time. It's another way to engage citizens in the art."

The app includes photographs, audio and details about each piece and its artist.

A geospatial component helps people find each of the installations plotted on a map, and pinpoints the users' real-time position on the route.

For people who don't have an iPhone, the city has also created a podcast of downloadable audio files distributed on the public art program's website, calgary.ca/publicart.

There is also an audio recording available for those who have a cell phone, with narrated audio files accessible by calling 403-268-1616.

"These experiences make Calgary's art collection more accessible to the public and attract new audiences", said Hoang.