The Transformative Effect of Public Art
Eric Sandelands
Program Management | Operational Excellence | Knowledge & Capabilities | Social Value
I wanted to write something about the impact of public art on regeneration projects and communities. Art is something bigger than us and can generate feelings and emotions that sometimes we can’t explain and can feel unquantifiable. It can be transformative in communities, enhancing well-being, fostering a sense of place, and contributing to economic prosperity, enhancing pride in community. The emotional response can be more important than the economic benefits, but there are many benefits careful investment can achieve.
Shared Identity and Belonging: Public art contributes to a community’s identity, creating a shared sense of pride and belonging. When residents encounter art installations or murals that reflect their culture, history, or values, it reinforces their connection to the place they call home.
Community Engagement: Collaborative public art initiatives involve community members in the creation process. When people actively participate in designing and implementing art projects, they feel a stronger bond with their neighborhood. This engagement reduces vandalism and fosters civic responsibility.
Economic Impact: Murals, sculptures, and street art campaigns can transform a locality into a vibrant destination. Art walks and installations attract visitors, encouraging economic activity. Additionally, public art often becomes a backdrop for social media posts, spreading positive buzz globally.
Healing Spaces: In times of change or crisis (such as natural disasters), public art can bring beauty and healing to damaged or abandoned spaces. For instance, artists in Houston transformed flood-damaged areas after Hurricane Harvey, creating murals and installations that revitalized the community.
Climate Change and Aesthetics: Attention to aesthetics and design in public spaces can encourage responsible behavior and reduce overconsumption. Art can inspire positive choices and contribute to both planetary and societal well-being.
In my hometown of Middlesbrough in the northeast of England, the Bottle of Notes by sculptors Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen was unveiled in 1993. Centre Square where it stands has augmented the town hall and civic buildings and the Carnegie library with an art gallery and several grade A office buildings. It has become a civic, commercial, and artistic centre for the town in a way that wasn’t obvious back in 1993. ?Public art can be a catalyst for community interaction, enriching cityscapes, sparking conversations, and instilling local pride.
In AlUla in northwestern Saudi Arabia, where I was based until earlier this year, investment in public art, particularly participatory art projects, are a central pillar of this nationally important regeneration and transformational project. Maeen Alzhufi , for example, has posted on this on LinkedIn, highlighting both the quality and impact of the initiatives and the connection people feel with this remarkable place.
There are many, many examples, but I thought I’d share some that illustrate different aspects of how public art can enhance social value.
Participatory Art Projects: These engage community members actively in creating public art.?For instance, collaborative murals or community-led sculptures empower residents to shape their environment.
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Interactive Art Installations: By inviting viewers to participate, these installations redefine the spectator experience.?Examples include interactive light displays or sound sculptures.
Philly Painting: In Philadelphia, public art projects like Philly Painting have revitalized neighborhoods.?By beautifying vacant buildings, they attract investment and create jobs.
Project Row Houses (Houston): This initiative combines art, affordable housing, and community development.?It transformed abandoned houses into vibrant cultural spaces, fostering economic growth.
Post-Katrina Performance: After Hurricane Katrina, Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” was performed in New Orleans neighborhoods.?This poignant project supported healing and resilience.
Happy City (Denver): Artists collaborated on mental health-focused installations, encouraging collective well-being and community dialogue.
In summary, public art transcends aesthetics—it shapes communities, enriches lives, and leaves lasting legacies.?Its impact extends far beyond the canvas or sculpture, creating vibrant, connected neighbourhoods and larger communities.
In putting together this short article, much of it consists of my personal reflections, including things that have been on my mind for some time. But I also did some reading to understand the topic better, including the resources made available by the Nonsuch Foundation whose mission is to promote and encourage art creativity, Smart Cities Dive who conduct deep dives into urban planning and development issues, and the National Endowment for the Arts in the USA.