Public art is a form of art that is designed for public display. This can include sculptures, murals, and other forms of art that are created specifically for outdoor spaces. These artworks are often commissioned by local governments and other entities, but many private citizens also donate money to create public art in their community.
Creating a public art piece can take years to design, plan, and fund, and it is often done by a team of people including artists, designers, architects, city officials, construction teams, and community members. The goal of most public art projects is to enhance the look of a space and bring life and meaning to it.
A public artwork can be any size and style, but most are large-scale. The largest of these works tend to be sculptures or monumental pieces that are commissioned for outdoor spaces.
There are also a number of other types of public art that can be used for a variety of purposes. Some of these include site-specific installations, sculptural pieces, landscape architectural work, murals, and digital new media art.
Artists may choose to use their public art to express political beliefs or challenge societal norms. For example, Montreal-based street artist MissMe uses wheat paste posters and stickers in urban spaces to promote women’s rights, gender equality, and feminist activism.
In many cases, public art has been a catalyst for social change and can spark a conversation between people who might not otherwise have access to art. In addition, public art can be an inexpensive way to democratize art and give people a chance to experience it for the first time.
The art of public space — or “the art of the commons” — has become increasingly important in recent decades as artists and arts administrators have realized that museums and galleries are not always the best place to display and experience art. In this light, more cities and communities are establishing outdoor areas where art can be displayed to the general public for free without paying for admission.
These sites have a wide range of benefits, from stimulating creativity to providing opportunities for interaction and community building. They can also be an important part of a cultural identity for a town or city, and can help promote tourism and economic development.
Generally, a public artwork has a long lifespan – and it is a very important part of a city’s history. Some public art, such as the Parthenon Marbles in Athens, is expected to last for decades, but others can be removed and transferred to another location at any time.
One of the biggest challenges for public art is the fact that they often have a long life span, but there are also instances when they need to be removed for maintenance or safety reasons. When a public artwork is removed, it is often sold or given to a museum, but in some cases it can be destroyed or simply repositioned.