Public art democratizes the experience of viewing art by making it accessible to everyone, unlike visiting an exhibition at a museum or gallery. It is often commissioned by government or community organizations.
Public artwork is a creative process that is executed by artists whose work is often site specific, meaning it is created in response to the place and community where the artwork resides. It is a distinct practice from community art, which is conceived by residents of the area and implemented by local volunteers.
Many communities consider public art as an essential element of urban design. It can help to beautify a city or town, inspire civic engagement, promote economic development, and foster social connections. Studies show that it can also combat feelings of anxiety and loneliness in a community.
Often, the most well-known examples of public art are large-scale murals and statues that are placed in prominent locations. However, it can also include any type of art or structure that is located in a public space and visible to the general population.
It can take many forms, from traditional sculptures/statues and architecture to landscape design, public interventions, graffiti, actions and performance, as well as urban artivism, land and environmental art, and more. It is important to note that public art can be a political statement as well, and may serve multiple purposes including:
In addition, it is often rooted in a specific location, meaning it cannot be moved around like touring exhibits. It also must be designed to rigorous standards to ensure that it can withstand the elements, such as extreme weather, flooding, and other natural or man-made problems.
Some forms of public art are also interactive, encouraging people to engage with it by using sound, light, or even their bodies. This can range from the architectural centerpiece in front of the Ontario Science Centre that is also a musical instrument (hydraulophone) that the public can play to Salifou Lindou’s installation of water jets that people can block to create sounds.
Permanent public art is often commissioned as part of a larger capital project, such as a new park or building. The process can take 2 to 5 years. The first 6 months to 2 years are usually taken up with community engagement and planning.
Choosing the right artist to execute a public art project can be challenging. It is important to make sure they have experience working on the scale and material required for the particular project. It is also crucial to involve the community members, residents, and business owners in the planning process, as they are the ones who will be most affected by the piece. This helps to make the final product more accepted and successful. It can also prevent future misunderstandings about the artwork in the future. Also, it is important to consider who owns the site, if the artwork is installed on a private property, for example. This will determine how the art should be treated in the event that the property changes ownership in the future.