Public art commissions often take years to develop, and there are many stakeholders involved in the process. Artists, architects, designers, local government officials, arts agencies, and construction teams all play a role in these projects. Many public art projects involve collaboration among artists and community members, and the art that is commissioned typically must be protected by the community.
Many works of public art feature interactive elements that encourage direct hands-on interaction. These can include musical, light, and video components. The Ontario Science Centre fountain, for example, is designed as a musical instrument, with a water jet causing different sounds as people play with it. Another example is the Century of Light, an enormous outdoor mandala of lights that respond to sounds and movements detected by radar.
In addition to making public art accessible to all, it has other benefits, including social and political engagement. Public art projects usually involve a broad range of people, allowing them to reach a broad range of audiences. Aside from promoting public participation, public art can also raise public awareness about the community’s needs and issues. In addition, public art projects often include long-term social programming such as student projects that collect rainwater. Other forms of public art involve residents harvesting crops and other community activities.
Public art is important to a city or community. It can boost the local economy and improve the city’s quality of life. Some of the most famous works of public art are displayed in famous urban areas. Usually, public artworks are large-scale, and many public murals can be seen in large cities. Eduardo Kobra, for example, has created the world’s largest public art mural, Etnies, which is 51 feet high and 560 feet long.
A public art piece can inspire viewers to remember their unique relationship with nature. Often, these pieces are not only beautiful, but also meaningful. They encourage viewers to think about how their individual relationships with nature can benefit them. Public art should engage their senses, as well as help to improve the city’s quality of life.
Whether it is a large sculpture or a modest wall sculpture, public art often inspires people to think about the meaning behind it. It can also inspire future generations. Many works of public art are commissioned by public institutions. For this reason, these works can be a valuable asset to many communities. Whether a town is a small community or a large metropolitan area, public art is important.
Pasadena, California is a vibrant and dynamic city filled with culture. Take a walking tour of the city’s innovative public art collection. The tours usually take half an hour and show a good sampling of what the city has to offer. The City’s Public Art Program was established in the 1980s and requires 1% of a building’s total value to be dedicated to public art.