Art in public spaces is more than just aesthetics and space fillers. It provides the visitors cultural knowledge and educates the next generation on the rich history, traditions, and artistry of the place. Green and open spaces that house art displays and hold art activities offer a priceless intangible – the opportunity to come and share in discovering one’s identity and sense of belonging.
Artists have been displaying their masterpieces in public open spaces since time immemorial. Seeking to provide a proper setting for large scale sculptural pieces that would have been otherwise challenging to show inside museum galleries, the very first public art and private open air sculpture exhibitions have been introduced in the United States and other developed countries as far back as the 1930s. In the course of the 1970s when the civil rights movement’s demand for public space ensued, the view of public art entirely changed. From being thought of as mere decorations and images representing official national historical figures in public space, “public art became more about the public.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Public open spaces have a hand in a community’s social life.
It is where people of diverse background, culture and identity come together to observe and be inspired by one another’s different life experiences. Humans are natural spectators and collectors of experiences and as we move around an area our behavior is significantly influenced by the physical environment we are in. It is therefore important that aside from being functional and intelligently designed, public open spaces should also be welcoming and engaging through the arts. Nature is a source of inspiration and beauty. And environments that stimulate creativity and imagination through art can evoke emotions that result in favorable user experiences and develop in people a deeper appreciation for life.
It is important that public spaces be welcoming and engaging through the arts.
Green and open spaces have long been associated with lower levels of stress and bring a sense of tranquility for people that go there to stroll, decompress, play and connect with others. It provides sort of a mental vacation for urban dwellers as they try to escape the stresses of everyday life. Art pieces outdoors add personality to parks and enhances social connections, thus improving mental health by encouraging shared emotional expressions as a community. With the help of visual design elements and other functional features such as music, architectural and garden pieces, art in public spaces can appeal even more to the senses of the people. When we bring freely accessible art into public spaces it can spur visual interaction and bring everyone together to sit, talk and meet, and develop a sense of place or belongingness and conveys a message to everyone that in our differences we are all actually equal and the same. Each person leaves taking with him an indelible impression of the beautiful public space in his memory and pride of that place where the art pieces are specifically created for.
When we bring freely accessible art into public spaces it can spur visual interaction and bring everyone together to sit, talk and meet, and develop a sense of place or belongingness and conveys a message to everyone that in our differences we are all actually equal and the same.
Art is important in our daily lives. Aside from contributing significantly to the beauty and creativity of a place, it also awakens our thoughts and feelings, entices us to learn and appreciate history, therefore giving our lives more meaning as we try to understand the world around us. Placing art in open public spaces is a great social equalizer. It welcomes appreciation of them from people who would otherwise be usually excluded. Life is very tough for most people these days. We will need some form of healthy social connection during this time of stress related to the global pandemic.
And among other things, art in public spaces can help us re-learn to safely relate to other people and the natural environment.