From the towering sculptures that adorn town squares to the intricate murals that gracing urban facades, public art is an extraordinary means for artists to express themselves to a broad and diverse audience. Democratising culture by allowing it to break free of the exclusive confines of galleries and museums, it invites everyone to participate.
From legally commissioned statues to guerilla graffiti and yarn bombs, public art comes in all shapes and sizes and can take on an endless variety of forms. It can be abstract or figurative, painted in a variety of media and styles, or even made interactive with elements such as light, sound or water. It can also be functional, with the intent of serving a particular purpose, or it can incorporate materials found in nature or existing architecture.
Often involving an entire community, the process of creating a public artwork is often complex and long-winded. The creation of a single piece can involve many people, including the artist, the community, architects, designers and engineers, politicians, funding agencies and sometimes construction teams. Some works are permanent, such as the commissioned statues and monuments, while others are temporary, such as the festivals, performances and installations that occur in cities or towns each year.
The purpose of public art can vary from aesthetically beautifying a space to educating and commemorating events, individuals and organizations. It can also act as a symbol of unity for the community, serve as a social commentary or encourage civic pride. As such, it is important to understand the role of a specific work of public art before evaluating whether it has accomplished its intended goal.
In addition to serving a social, educational or commemorative purpose, some public artworks are intended to inspire debate and discussion. These works can become a catalyst for dialogue, and some artists are willing to engage in the debate that often surrounds their works. Moreover, they can encourage visitors to consider and form their own opinions about the work, thus adding value to its impact.
While not all art is meant for public spaces, the majority of works are commissioned or created by government agencies and municipalities. This typically requires the artist to be aware of the political climate, the historical context of a place or location and the needs of the community.
Depending on the scale and scope of the project, public art may be temporary or permanent and can range in medium from painting and sculpture to digitally mediated experiences and architectural interventions. Some examples include interactive music or light, and a building-specific light projection art like the Gertrude Street Projection Festival in Melbourne.
Whether legally commissioned, like the statute of a famous town founder in a public square or a figurative sculpture by an internationally renowned artist, or a slap dash stencil spray-painted guerrilla style on a local storefront, public art is part of every community and serves a number of purposes. Its value can be measured in the conversations it sparks, the joy it creates and the sense of pride that it engenders.