Public art is artwork that is displayed in the open, in spaces accessible to the general public, such as a city square or building lobby. Artwork can be commissioned to reflect the distinctive qualities of the space, its natural or architectural environment, or local culture and history. It can enhance a community’s sense of place, encourage pride in its neighborhood heritage, and serve as an economic development tool. It can also be a vehicle for social commentary or a way to express controversial ideas.
The definition of public art is broad, and includes a wide variety of artistic styles and forms. Sculpture is the most common form of public art, but the term can be applied to painting, murals, architecture, landscape architectural work, and even temporary events or performances. Public art can be a collaborative process, with artists working with architects, designers, and city planners to create works that complement and enhance the physical surroundings. The process can also be democratic, with citizens submitting proposals to be considered for installation in public spaces.
Some artists specialize in creating public artwork, either by choice or through commission. For example, the sculptor Gustav Vigeland spent most of his life building more than 200 sculptures in his public sculpture park in Norway, and Mexican muralist Diego Rivera dedicated much of his career to making art for public spaces. Street artists, such as Banksy, have a similar focus. Because of the high visibility and sometimes controversial content of some public artwork, it can be subject to criticism and conflict. This has led some to call for the removal of works that no longer resonate with current thought, while others maintain that uncensored public art should be free to speak as it sees fit.
While some public art is created to be as permanent as the buildings it inhabits, most projects are meant to have a more flexible lifespan. The design, fabrication, and installation process can take up to a year for large-scale projects, and even long-term installations require regular maintenance, especially in outdoor environments. Because of this, the cost of public art tends to be higher than studio art in a private collection or a museum display.
Many cities have programs that commission artists to create public artwork, and a number of nonprofit organizations support the field through fundraising and advocacy. Americans for the Arts and its Public Art Network (PAN) are among the major organizations. PAN’s professional services include research, consulting, and advocacy for the field, as well as training and funding opportunities.
Public art often contributes to a city’s identity, and some works are recognized worldwide as iconic tourist attractions. These can be major monuments, such as the Statue of Liberty or Mount Rushmore, or small-scale artworks, such as a painted wall or a fountain that combines a musical instrument with water play. Some public art is designed to be interactive, such as a water sculpture that allows visitors to produce sound by blocking certain jets.