Public art has long been a popular way to transform civic spaces. From monumental sculptures redefining cityscapes to installations that invite introspection and communal interaction, public art spans a spectrum of creative expressions. The controversies and discussions that surround public art highlight its unique ability to reflect and shape societal narratives.
Public artwork is an integrated, site-specific work of art created for a public space that interprets the history of a place or address a specific community issue. It may also celebrate a community’s local heritage or cultural identity or enhance the character of a neighborhood. Public artwork can be temporary or permanent and may take on the form of murals, sculpture, memorials, integrated architectural or landscape architecture work, community art projects, digital new media, and performances.
The term ‘public art’ is often used to refer to works of art that are located in a public space, such as a park, museum or civic plaza. However, public art can be found in many other places – including schools, hospitals, airports and private businesses. It can also be installed in the interior of a building or on private property if it has been donated to the public.
In general, public art is intended to engage a large audience and be easily accessible to the public. It can be interactive or not, but it must always be free and open to the public. A good definition of public art would be any work of art that is a part of the civic environment and accessible to all.
Most often, public artworks are commissioned by the government or private entities to enhance a building, cityscape, or neighborhood and serve as a catalyst for discussion or community engagement. The design and implementation of public art is a complex process. It involves addressing the physical challenges of situating the artwork in its place, such as durability, visibility, security, and access. It also requires considering the social, cultural and environmental factors of the site and the community in which it is situated.
Whether it is a monumental bronze statue of a soldier in a city square or a mural in a community centre, the goal of public art is to be inclusive and reflective of its community. It can inspire pride of place, foster community ties and even encourage economic development.
According to Mitchell Reardon, senior planner at Vancouver-based urban planning and design consultancy Happy City, public art provides an opportunity for cities to create what he calls “community fingerprints” – spaces that make people feel represented and build connections across diverse groups of the population. This is especially important for historically underrepresented populations, he says. “We’re looking to engage with the broadest possible range of community members when we create these projects.” Read more: Why Public Art?