Public art is artwork that is available for all to enjoy and interact with in a public space. This is distinct from private artwork that is held in private collections and displayed within museum galleries. Public art is a valuable asset to many communities and serves as an important platform for social change, as well as fostering community pride and a sense of place.
Public artworks are often commissioned and created through a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders including artists, project managers, designers, engineers, architects, and municipal officials. In addition, public art projects can require extensive community engagement and outreach to ensure successful completion. This article will discuss what public art is, how it can benefit communities, and explore the unique challenges of creating a public artwork.
In the past, some of the most influential art was created specifically for public consumption. From the major muralism movements of the twentieth century to WPA-sponsored murals during the Great Depression, public art has been used as a tool for civic expression, developing national identity, expressing core nation values, and celebrating technological progress and innovation.
Today, the vast majority of public art is made for aesthetic and educational purposes. Many of these works are monumental in scale, and they have become iconic landmarks in cities around the world. They are visible to the public and offer a diverse range of experiences that can appeal to all audiences, from children to senior citizens. In addition to enhancing the visual landscape, public art serves as a social and cultural catalyst, inspiring the next generation of artists and stimulating conversation and debate.
The nature of public artworks, however, makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of time and climate change. As a result, many municipalities have begun to embrace sustainability when designing public artworks. Sustainability is a broad term that includes environmental, economic, and social factors. The goal of sustainability is to ensure that a public artwork will endure over time and will be able to adapt to changing conditions.
In addition to ensuring that an artwork is durable, sustainable design will also make sure it is responsive to local needs. This can include responding to cultural issues, addressing specific environmental concerns, or encouraging civic participation.
For example, the city of Melbourne, Australia, incorporated a sculpture into its street paving that tells the Koorie creation story of the Karak Gurok (Seven Sisters). By using the local landscape as a canvas for their work, artists can create more meaningful and engaging experiences for viewers.
In the United States, the Utah State Legislature Infrastructure and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee reviews all capital projects for public art funding. The panel includes legislators who represent constituents from the communities where public art is located and who can share their own opinions and experiences about the role of public art in their local communities. If you would like to contact a member of the committee, visit their website.