Introduction
www.unsplash.com Ioana Cristiana
Public art and sculptures enhances greater sense of identity and understandings of where we live, work, and visit - creating memorable experiences for all. It humanises the built environment, provides an intersection between past, present, and future, and can help communities thrive.
In a diverse society, all art cannot appeal to all people, nor should it be expected to do so. Art and sculptures attracts attention; that is what it is supposed to do. To some degree, every public art and sculpture project is an interactive process involving artists, architects, design professionals, community residents, civic leaders, politicians, approval agencies, funding agencies, and construction teams. The challenge of this communal process is to enhance rather than limit the artist’s involvement and enhance the aesthetics of areas where art and sculptures are installed.
Public art in neighbourhoods is evolving: what once might have been a sculpture in a square can now be a pop-up intervention, an interactive performance or even a brand campaign. It can be physical, digital, mobile, static, personal, political or commercial.
Public art plays an invaluable role in the process of community building. Not only does it establish and beautify public spaces, it expresses and supports a sense of neighbourhood history, culture and identity and helps drive economic vitality.
Task
Mural of two women in traditional dress Buffalo, New York
The Noun Project www.thenounproject.com
You are encouraged to go on a walkabout in your neighbourhood and mark all the public art you spot. If your neighbourhood has no public art or there are very limited things, widen your walkabout maybe to the neighbouring area or the main city centre. You should list all the murals, sculptures and interesting architectures that catches your eyes.
Once you have listed everything try and see if there are any gaps for new murals, street furniture and or sculptures. If there's a hashtag or a local newsletter, use it because it's a tangible way to get others interested.
Remember art is economically viable in that it enhances a city's identity and diversifies its cultural attractions. Public art enhances a city's portfolio of tourist attractions. It is simple: people go to places to see things and if there is not anything to see, people are not going to be inspired to go. Locally, public art positively impacts the amount of foot traffic for surrounding local businesses.
Art positively impacts mood. Studies consistently show that art drastically improves our mental health and overall well being. Art creates a sense of social connectivity that helps us better understand and appreciate each other. By serving as an experience that we share together, public art creates common ground in a world that's becoming increasingly divisive and isolated.
