Diversity in Public Art: How Can It Bring a Community Together
In the last few years, issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion have become prominent talking points in our society. Its role in the business world and our communities cannot be overstated. Another area that it is impacting is the public art scene.
EG Structural is on a mission to enrich communities with exciting large-scale art pieces that drive their economy and beautify their spaces. We’re founded on the principle that functional sculpture pieces can exhibit the incredible identity behind communities and commercial properties. Read our blog post below to learn how diversity in public art can bring communities together.
Does Public Art Tell the Full Story of a City and the People Within It?
According to the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, a vast majority of artists, administrators, curators, writers, and commercial consumers are white. This can be due to a number of factors like the high cost of fine art degrees, lack of access to arts education and materials, and the lack of affordable rehearsal and living spaces. This problem exists because of institutional and structural barriers that make it virtually impossible for artists of color to enter and thrive in the arts.
So, does public art truly encompass everything about one’s community? It can. What distinguishes public art is the unique association of how it is made, where it is, and what it means. Public art can express community values, enhance our environment, transform a landscape, heighten our awareness, or question our assumptions.
By incorporating more minority voices and investing in art in areas where it is lacking, public art can hold a true reflection on how we view the world and the people who live in it. More than that, it influences people’s imagination, enables them to create their own voice, and promotes greater diversity.
Public Art Can Bring Awareness to Social Issues like Diversity
Strategically executed public art can raise awareness toward issues plaguing the community. For centuries, people have been designing art that is a response to affairs happening around them. Today is no different; as you’ve seen from the Black Lives Matter movement, it’s spurred an endless stream of creative output that promotes diversity and inclusion.
Moreover, it has had an incredible impact on the public by engaging community members in civic dialogue. Art can open our eyes to things we either never thought of or didn’t know were bigger than we thought. Its ability to promote a culturally-rich and all-inclusive environment should not be overlooked.
Lead by Example With More Diversity in Public Art Works
Public art is crucial if you want to ensure your message for better diversity lives on beyond the protests and conversations. It cements your community as one that supports every resident no matter the color of their skin, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. More than anything, art can inspire others to become allies and speak up in support of their friends, neighbors, and co-workers from historically marginalized groups.
How Does One Get More Involved in Promoting Diversity in Public Art?
In order to make a change, you need to acknowledge that there is a problem. It’s important to learn and understand the implicit biases that show up in our society as individuals, organizations, and public policies.
To better your public art community, you need to invest in programs that intentionally serve artists from underrepresented and under-invested areas. You need to address racial equity in the public art field by providing tools, resources, and opportunities to people of color. Not to mention looking for barriers in our public art programs and finding ways to make it easier to get into for artists.
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!