The term public art may evoke the image of historic bronze statues or murals adorning municipal parks, but this type of artwork can actually take on many forms and is found in almost all outdoor spaces. It can be temporary or permanent and can interpret a place’s history, address a specific issue, or simply reflect on the nature of its people. It can be sculptural, integrated into an architectural or landscape design, community-based projects, digital new media and even performance art.
The development and management of public art is a complex process and can be challenging for the city or organisation responsible. However, if it is a success, a public art project can be a great asset to the general community and create a sense of identity for a place. This article will explore what public art is, why it is important to communities, how to plan and commission a project, as well as some case studies of successful public art projects from around the world.
Traditionally, public art has served as a visual representation of values that a society wishes to celebrate and instill in its members. This can be seen in the plethora of murals that adorn the walls of the Mission District in San Francisco, or in the huge bronze statues erected to honor politicians and military leaders. More recently, though, it is also being used as a way of promoting diversity and fostering community pride.
This is most commonly done by using a local, culturally relevant theme as the basis for an artwork. This can be seen in works by Judy Baca or Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs, who both created projects for the CURRENT:LA Food triennial that celebrate local culture. By highlighting the richness of different cultures, these projects are helping to foster a sense of unity within Los Angeles.
Another popular way in which public art can be used is to add beauty and color to an urban environment, especially those that have a lot of concrete and not much natural space. In these areas, the use of public art can make the neighborhood feel more colorful, softer, and inviting. This is particularly true in marginalized communities, where a sense of community is often fostered through public art projects.
An important consideration for public artists is the sustainability of a work. This is particularly true of permanent installations that are meant to last for years or even centuries, such as a monument or a sculpture. One way in which sustainability can be achieved is through the use of durable materials that are also environmentally friendly.
The other way in which sustainability can be achieved is by designing a piece that allows its users to interact with it. This can be achieved through the use of interactive elements that encourage the public to play with an artwork, such as a hydraphone by Nick Selenitsch which allows players to make musical sounds by playing water with their hands or an installation by Sarah Morris which uses recycled materials to create a “compost opera.” Both of these projects demonstrate the ways in which public art can engage with and inspire its audience and be a catalyst for discussion and community.