Public art is a broad term for artwork that is displayed in the public domain – outside of museums or galleries. It may be installed indoors (such as foyers, atriums or airports) or outdoors (parks, squares, streets, freeways and plazas). Public art can either be permanently installed or temporary. Most often public art is commissioned for specific sites and designed with the environment, function, architectural surroundings and community identity in mind. It can reflect the history and culture of a place or celebrate its natural and cultural heritage, encourage civic pride and serve as an economic development tool.
Public works of art democratize the experience of art by making it available to people who may not be able to visit an exhibition at a gallery or buy a painting in a department store. They can also inspire future artists or be used as a platform for political and social change. Street artist Keith Haring, for example, used his murals as a platform to challenge societal norms and spark conversations about sexuality and the AIDS epidemic.
Aesthetics: Artwork that conveys the artist’s sense of beauty, appeals to viewers’ intellectual and visual appreciation for form, line, color, texture and material. Examples of aesthetic public art include abstract paintings and sculptures.
Representational: Artwork that depicts, portrays events, objects or people in a way that is easily recognizable to a wide range of individuals. Examples of representational public art include statues, monuments and landscapes.
Symbolic: Artwork that embodies or conveys a concept, idea or feeling through the use of symbols, metaphors, allegories and archetypes. Examples of symbolic public art include the Statue of Liberty, The Eiffel Tower and the Hollywood sign.
Social: Artwork that stimulates conversation and debate on issues affecting the community, such as immigration, race relations and gender politics. Social public art can be found in a variety of forms, from official city hall commissions to guerrilla street art. For example, artist Sarah Lacy gathered hundreds of women and men of different ages and backgrounds to stand on the stoops of a Brooklyn residential block and have unscripted discussions about gender politics that engaged the community at large.
The process of creating a piece of public art involves many different stakeholders, including the artist, architects and design professionals, community residents and civic leaders, funding agencies and construction teams. Often the success of a project depends on the ability of all members of the team to collaborate effectively, compromise and work toward a common goal. This communal approach is why some public art projects are perceived as successes and others as failures. For the most successful projects, it is essential that all members of the project team take time to listen and learn from each other. This is especially important when working with a budget and deadline. Having a clear vision of the final result, a solid schedule and realistic expectations will contribute to a successful outcome. The more time a team spends on communication and planning, the more likely it is that everyone will be happy with the result and the art will be appreciated and valued for generations to come.