“Can public art make a difference in a community?

Can public art make a difference in a community? If so, how?”

This question was put to a group of Human Service Coordinators and they answered with a resounding, “YES! public art makes a definite difference!”  Public art inspires a community in these ways:


Communication – artwork proclaims, in a unique way, who we are to visitors and residents
Focal point in community—matter of pride
Sends message – we can all make a difference
Encourages interplay of diverse and disagreeing opinions – brings diverse views to surface for discussion
Supports discussion between each other
Provides entrepreneurial opportunities – tourism
Creates enduring traditions
Respects culture
Sparks the desire to learn more about local history
Important to know the past going into the future
Impacts all ages and backgrounds
Engage students; they can learn more of the background and add to the painting
Gives youth a positive message about creativity
Serves as an educational tool and experience for parents/families
Serves as a visual aid illustrating the concept that what is normal & accepted now,
may not be in the future
Need for public art -of all kinds- as a positive influence in our daily lives (architecture)