WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg City Council approved a temporary public art installation to appear on the lawn at the Williamsburg Community Building in the spring at its meeting last week.
The artwork, titled Musical Swings, is a large-scale interactive experience by Montreal-based studio Daily Tous les Jours, a company known for creating community-driven installations, according to the city.
The city noted public art is included in its 2025-2026 Biennial Goals, Initiatives, & Outcomes under the goal area of Innovating a Modern City, which calls for the city to “facilitate the expansion of public art by developing approved art installation locations [and] evaluating a temporary or rotating exhibit approach.”
As the Historic Triangle anticipates an influx of visitors in 2026 for the 250th commemoration, the city said the Williamsburg Public Art Council identified this period as an opportunity to launch a series of temporary installations. Beginning in April of this year, the WPAC led efforts to evaluate potential locations and opportunities for bringing art to the city.
During its September meeting, WPAC voted unanimously to allocate $150,000 of its Fiscal Year 2026 budget toward the installation of the Musical Swings, the city said. This amount includes both DTJ fees and City-related expenses. Because the cost exceeds WPAC’s allowable spending threshold, city council approval was required.
The Swings will be installed on the lawn at the Williamsburg Community Building in late March 2026 and will be open to the public from March 30 through May 17, according to the city.
“We are grateful to the Williamsburg City Council for their support in bringing this exciting art installation to our community,” said Robert Currie, WPAC chair. “Hosting a temporary art installation with such an international profile enriches the cultural life of our city and invites residents and visitors alike to experience Williamsburg in a new and inspiring way.”
In addition to the Musical Swings in the spring, WPAC is planning two more installations for later in 2026, the city said.
