Public art is a wonderful investment. While many works of art in private collections are temporary, public art is intended to be permanent. It is typically installed in accessible locations and is created in response to the community. Unlike private works of arts, public sculptures are rarely intended to go on touring exhibits or sell at auction. They are often commissioned by governments or local businesses. To understand how to invest in public artwork, consider the following factors.
Public art is an investment in the public good. It helps bring the community together through the arts. It enhances the quality of life for residents and visitors. Often, public art is free of charge. The cost of commissioning a piece of work can be negotiated in the process. Often, the public artwork must be temporary. It may be placed in a public space for a period of time, or it may be made permanent.
Interactive public art is interactive, encouraging people to get involved. It can include music, light, video, or water components. The Ontario Science Centre fountain is interactive, using jets to force water through a mechanism that makes sounds. Jim Pallas’ Century of Light was a huge outdoor mandala of lights, which was dismantled 25 years later. The UN building in New York features a tapestry copy of Pablo Picasso’s Guernica (1937).
Increasingly, public art has evolved to incorporate other art forms. It can be a solo work or a collaborative effort. In addition to the traditional, abstract works of art, public art can also take the form of murals or architectural sculpture. The United Nations building has a tapestry copy of Picasso’s Guernica (1937). This public art is widely accessible and can improve the community’s perception of itself. If it inspires and engages people, it will become a landmark of the community and bring a positive sense of purpose.
The creation of public artwork has several different meanings. It can be a standalone piece or a collaboration between different artists. The purpose of public art is to encourage people to interact with the piece. It can be music or video, or it can be an interactive installation, or a sculptural object. Whether it is a permanent piece or temporary, it is important to have a wide variety of public art. If it’s interactive, then it should be accessible to the community.
Artist-authored public art plans (AMPs) are created by artists and communities. They involve artists in the design phase of a project, defining the potential of public art and incorporating it into the city’s infrastructure. The AMP is a community-funded project and can include sculptures, interactive installations, and interactive media. AMPs can be interactive, collaborative, or standalone. Some of the most innovative examples are the most visible in a city.