Public art is most commonly associated with a sculpture or painting in areas accessible or visible to the public, but it can and does go well beyond those media.  Terrazzo floors, etched glass, ceiling panels, textiles, stair railings, risers, pavers, planters, landscape, fences and grates are just some of the possibilities for public art contributions to public spaces.  The possibilities are as vast as the imaginations of artists and architects.

Mankind has always used art in, on and around his habitat.  Symbols and images have been used to depict societies, cultures and individuals.  They are used to convey beliefs, encourage dialogue, memorialize, remind of our humanity and contribute to our quality of life.  Public Art, Art in Public Places, Percent for Art are all modern manifestations of this practice.

The public art field in the United States has grown to encompass nearly every state and nearly every major metropolitan city.  Most are driven by public dollars but increasingly, private and corporate development also include a percentage of hard construction costs for the inclusion of art for public spaces.

Successful public art projects are those most deeply embedded in the project.  When artist, architect and contractor can build a trust and respect for each other, all can work toward the goal of creating an environment to serve the client’s physical needs while respecting the well being of the occupant, user and public at large. 

Typically, the artist is brought into projects well after the design phase is completed.  This situation puts extreme pressure on the artist to accommodate the existing design, structure, client and concept.  Some artists are very adept at interpreting all of these parameters and create meaningful and strong works of art.  With increased awareness of the contributions artists make to projects, more and more often they are asked to participate much earlier in the project as part of the design team.  Early involvement encourages the incorporation of the artist’s work in the fabric of the building and can bring a new “eye” to standard construction practices.  This can lead to enhancement throughout the project without increasing costs and embeds the artistry that helps create a great building.  Public works of art create unique community landmarks that are evidence of the community’s commitment to quality of life and pride of place.

public art resources:

What agencies are managing public art projects throughout the US?
How do public art programs function?
Request for Qualification vs. Request for Proposal?
How to write a "call for artists?"
What is a good example of a contract between artist and commissioning agency?
Examples of public art across the US?

All of these questions and more are addressed at:
Americans for the Arts Public Art network: http://www.artsusa.org/services/public_art_network 

Economic impact? www.americansforthearts.org/NAPD/files/11989/Millennium.pdf

Books and research resouces:
http://ww2.americansforthearts.org/vango/core/orders/

Periodical on public art: http://www.publicartreview.org/

Public art project and image source:http://www.artonfile.com/ 

Public Art Blog: http://www.artsjournal.com/aestheticgrounds/

WPA / New Deal public art murals: http://www.wpamurals.com/