Public art is artwork that is displayed in a public space for the enjoyment of the general public. It may be commissioned by a government agency or created on the initiative of the artist. It is distinct from private art, which is exhibited in galleries and homes.
Public artwork is usually based on and inspired by the surrounding environment. It reflects the architectural environment, natural surroundings or neighborhood identity. It can celebrate a community’s local history and culture, spark pride in the area, and encourage visitors to visit.
Many artists spend much of their lives creating public artworks, sometimes by commission, other times of their own volition. For example, the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland spent 20 years building over 200 pieces in his public sculpture park, and Diego Rivera was a prolific muralist. Even graffiti and street artists often specialize in creating public artworks.
Typically, public art projects are accompanied by an extensive public engagement process and a community advisory group. This gives local residents a voice in the final design and installation of the piece, and it helps to ensure that the project will be a success. However, it’s important to remember that not all public artwork will be a hit with everyone. Sometimes, controversial or unpopular public art can inspire a positive reaction. In other cases, public artwork can simply be too distracting or disruptive to the surrounding environment and must be removed.
While some public art may be based on historical events or iconic figures, most is intended to reflect the interests and concerns of the community. This can be a way to stimulate conversation and debate, or it can be a way to give the community a voice that isn’t always heard through mainstream media outlets.
Some public art is meant to be educational, encouraging visitors to think about the environment and their role in it. It can also inspire them to take action. For example, the art installation of two leopards in a village in Haryana, India, was designed to raise awareness about co-habitation with wildlife.
Most public artwork is permanent and can’t be moved to different locations, unlike private art. This is because public art is meant to be enjoyed for generations to come.
For example, the classical statues in the Piazza Della Signoria in Florence, Italy, have remained there since 1416. Some, such as Michelangelo’s David, are original sculptures and others are reproductions.
Research suggests that public art can increase civic engagement, encourage local pride and foster social cohesion. In addition, it can give historically marginalized communities the chance to develop their own culture and artistic voice through the work. However, for these benefits to be realized, it’s vital that public art is implemented thoughtfully with an eye toward racial equity.