While not everyone may consider themselves an ‘artist’, its importance in the public sphere cannot be overlooked. Art has a remarkable way of bypassing our intellect, heading straight towards the soul and often leaving our critical analysis lagging behind.
It’s why we so often stare; knowing the artwork has captivated our attention, but not fully understanding why. Undoubtedly, it takes time to thoughtfully unwrap the layers of meaning represented in visual art.
In a world filled with fast-paced schedules and minds running at super speed, we could use some artistic interruptions. When forced to slow down and unravel the unique aspects of public community artwork, we’ll often find a fresh appreciation for these local masterpieces.
Fostering Art Appreciation within Our Community
Public art often depicts strong historical references to the community it lives in. The statue, painting, or structural artwork tells a story along with serving as a reminder, a piece of inspiration, or other nuanced message the artist desires to communicate.
Encouraging a vibrant community, rich in history and celebratory of its achievements involves incorporating public art displays. It is a way to open the minds of those who might not otherwise consider another person’s perspective. Challenging our viewpoints is healthy and not only fosters art appreciation, but helps our community grow and progress together.
Increasing Community Identity through Artistic Expression
When public art displays emerge throughout a community, the artist brings back to life a widespread neighborhood identity. The uniqueness of each community is valuable to those living there and for those looking to relocate. It integrates a sense of pride and belonging throughout daily public commutes and environmental interactions.
Memorializing key events
Every town or city has significant events etched into their history as well as locations worth highlighting and remembering for important reasons. Public art makes it possible to bring these key events to the forefront of display through creative, artistic expression. Artists often work with city planners, engineers, designers, elected officials, and community stakeholders to come up with something that will encapsulate these significant aspects in one design or a series of pieces.
More Reasons to Support Public Art
Public art is easily accessible to everyone and leaves no room for exclusive viewing. Its ability to reach and communicate with a wide variety of people is much greater than the confines of a gallery or museum.
Here are more reasons why you should support and incorporate public art:
- Transforms bland parts of town into enriching areas, bringing to life otherwise dull community spaces
- Attracts visitors and construction initiatives, boosting the local economy
- Encourages civic engagement and discourse
- Fosters critical thinking among learning environments
- Supports environmental stewardship
- Respects diverse perspectives
- Cultivates a sense of community connection and shared heritage
When you drive into a new city, what you often notice first are the artistic elements strategically placed throughout the main center streets and highways. It makes the city come alive with beauty and storytelling. It can evoke curiosity and break preconceived ideas about a town or community.
Art is an expedited form of communication, connecting messages with the viewer instantaneously while leaving more to be discovered with careful analysis. Public art is a truly valuable way for communities to thrive and celebrate their uniqueness from any other place on the map.
EG Structural Supports Better Diversity in the Arts
At EG Structural we have a passion for creating projects that inspire. We create timeless public art projects that embody the spirit of our clients and their community. Whether they’re a corporate entity or a municipality, we see what makes them special and design sculpture pieces that highlight their exceptionality.
If your organization is looking for a private commission sculpture piece or if you have questions about being more involved in public art, contact EG Structural today!