Public art is art that is created for and in a public space, usually through a process that involves a community. It can be permanent – like statues, memorials and civic sculptures, as well as transitory — such as performances, theatre, poetry or even the graffiti that appears on street walls. Public art can be a tool for political protest or simply a way to beautify the environment.
Public artwork is often site-specific, reflecting the cultural history of the place and fostering community pride. It can be made with any medium or style, from monumental sculpture to small-scale painting or installation. The development of public art can be a complex process, involving artists, architects, design professionals, community residents, city officials, construction teams and other stakeholders.
In a public space, an artwork must be durable enough to withstand weather, wear and tear, and other environmental factors. This requires the artwork to be designed to rigorous standards. In addition, a permanent public artwork may be subject to the scrutiny of many more audiences than an individual work in a gallery or private collection, requiring a degree of accountability that is not always present in the creation of studio art.
Some public works are intended to encourage direct hands-on interaction. Examples include musical instruments that respond to touch, sound or light (like the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Water Organ and the fountain and musical instrument called a Hydraulophone in front of the Ontario Science Centre) and interactive installations with lights, video and water components (like James Pallas’ 1980 Century of Light at Detroit’s forecourts and plazas).
A primary goal of public art is often to communicate an important message that can be understood by the community in which it is located. This can be accomplished by the use of a narrative, symbolism or other iconic representations, and by utilizing a variety of media.
The content of a public artwork is also important to consider. For example, the major mural movements of the twentieth century – post-revolution Mexican muralism and WPA-sponsored murals in the United States – were based on the idea that these artworks could be used to promote national pride and assert core values of nationhood, while celebrating technological progress and economic advancement. These messages were intended to be clear and understood by illiterate citizens, and so the murals often exaggerated or caricatured figures and employed easily recognizable symbols.
The final aspect of public art that should be considered is its acceptance by the community in which it is located. Involving members of the community in the planning and creation of a public artwork is a great way to ensure this acceptance. This can be done through consultations, workshops and other participatory activities, or by incorporating the art into an existing infrastructure project, such as the construction of a building, park or road. By including community members in the creation of a public artwork, it is more likely to be seen as part of the community and valued for its contribution to the identity of the area.