Roles & Benefits of Public Art

Social

Public art demonstrates creativity and engages community, helping to build local pride and attachment to place. Contemporary artworks in public places can enhance our social wellbeing and sense of inclusion. Artists and their works can spark progressive social conversations.

Environmental

Public art provides attractive features that improve the experience of our city through landmarking and wayfinding, activation and gathering, exploration and trail-making. Public artworks can enhance our sense of safety in public spaces and they can also demonstrate innovative and sustainable approaches in design, materials, and fabrication methods.

Economic

Public artworks contribute to a city’s reputation and can provide unique and iconic features that express place identity and help to attract and engage visitors, workers, and residents. Public art is a vital ingredient in the life of a mature city, forming a key part of the visitor and tourism offering. Public artworks provide opportunities for creative industries employment, and partnerships with businesses, educational institutions, and community groups.

Cultural

Public art is a free and accessible artform, open to all, showcasing talent and creativity. Contemporary public artworks can express local stories, support heritage interpretation, and help to sustain and evolve living cultural traditions, including those of First Nations people. Public artworks can express diverse cultural perspectives that grow our cultural understanding. Public artworks can be aspirational forms that help to us look to the future together.