Public art is artwork planned and executed with the intention of existing in a public space, typically outside and accessible to all. It is a specific art form with its own professional discourse that can take multiple forms, including sculptures/statues; site-specific installations; murals; architecture; land and environmental art; and performance art. Public art often serves several purposes at once, communicating a variety of ideas and feelings. It can aesthetically beautify and enrich public spaces, commemorate important people or events, function as political or social propaganda, and express a community’s ethos.
Incorporating art into urban design enhances the visual quality of buildings and streets, stimulates economic growth, and improves civic and cultural pride. In addition, incorporating art in urban design promotes community engagement and encourages visitors to return to see new works of public art.
Public artworks serve as an essential part of a city’s identity and can increase its tourism appeal. When it is well designed and located in a strategic location, public art can also contribute to the city’s economic development by creating jobs for artists, designers, construction professionals, and maintenance crews; contributing to local employment; and increasing property values.
The concept of public art is evolving as communities are challenged to rethink its value, significance and role in society. Historically, the goal of public art was to celebrate important individuals or events through monuments and sculptures; however, contemporary projects often challenge the traditional notion of public art through a process that invites community input and participation.
One way that the City engages citizens in the process of commissioning a work of public art is through our artist selection committee. The committee reviews the qualifications of an artist and their previous experience completing projects of similar scope to the current proposal. The Committee also looks at the ability of the artist to engage and involve citizens in a creative process and to meet deadlines. The Committee makes their recommendations to the City Manager and the Cultural Advisory Board who ultimately fund the project.
Once an artist is selected, they are required to hold public engagement sessions during the concept development phase of the project. These sessions are advertised through news releases, social media, the City website, and the City’s calendar of events. The artist is expected to incorporate the feedback received from these meetings into their design proposals. The City also gives consideration to educational components of the project during its design review.
In her work Between the Door and the Street, artist Sarah Lacy invited members of the community to come together on the stoops of their residential block for unscripted conversations about various issues related to gender politics. This piece of public art was intended to refocus residents’ attention to their immediate environment and the importance of nature in their lives, even in the most urbanized settings. It also acted as an opportunity for the community to get to know each other better.