Public Art Research Articles

Placemaking and the dynamic transformation of urban landscapes: a comprehensive exploration

ABSTRACT In contemporary urban development discourse, the transformative capacity of public art, particularly murals within placemaking paradigms, is a significant area of interest. This paper explores the dynamic interplay between public art and urban settings, focusing on murals as catalysts for urban revitalization. By fostering local economic growth, community participation, and socio-spatial well-being, murals play a pivotal role in urban transformation. Despite their impact, the contribution of murals in Balkan urban landscapes remains underexplored. To address this gap, the paper examines the power of murals through the ‘Street B’ initiative in Pristina, Kosovo. An evaluative framework is introduced to assess murals’ roles in regeneration and placemaking, affirming their significance in transforming urban spaces. Additionally, the regulation of public spaces and artistic creativity, emphasizing the need for clear guidelines and metrics to integrate public art into urban strategies are addressed. By advancing this dialogue, the research enriches existing literature and underscores the aesthetic and socio-functional value of murals in urban change.

Mi-e Dor De Tine: Light Festivals, Emotional Narratives and Romanian Diaspora

This paper explores the significance of urban light festivals and their role in contributing to transnational identities and narratives through a detailed study of the Mi-e Dor De Tine project. This public art project serves as an example of how light-based installations shape transnational affective experiences, particularly within the Romanian diaspora across various locations around the world. Through an ethnographic and netnographic study conducted from 2018 to 2024, this research critically engages with Mi-e Dor De Tine project within the frameworks of aesthetic capitalism, affect theory, and transnationalism. The paper emphasizes that urban light festivals not only serve as tools for urban regeneration and cultural diplomacy but also play a vital role in affirming and developing complex urban identities and affective experiences.

Sculpting Civilizations: The Influence of Artwork in the Maintenance of Ancient Cities

The role of art in the development of urban life is an important topic relating to communication, creativity, and the Great Traditions of urbanism. Art is a necessary way to communicate ideals and traditions; for example, stained glass in orthodox churches is used as an alternative to the Bible to teach the illiterate the stories about orthodox religion. Trends in art forms, styles, and subject could indicate a lot about urban values and how these values change over time as cities develop. This free range of expression gives insight into what city populations valued. Styles reveal how conservative a community is, or what mindsets and way of thinking people have. For instance, abstract styles tell us about the more scattered ways people approach issues and themes, while something like pop art can tell us about the value of cultural revolution and a progressive mindset. Art, particularly public art, illuminates political ideologies, inequalities, public consciousness, narratives, and religions. The study of urban art can also simply help us visualize and recreate what experiencing a city is like in the viewpoint of the citizens living there. Through a close analysis of the impact of artwork in Ancient Egypt and Ancient China, we can see which famous theories on the development on ancient cities can be applied to explain the role of art in its maintenance.

Arlington, Virginia highlights its major public art program

Arlington, Virginia highlights its major public art program

Exploration and Practice of Digital Technology and Virtual Reality Technology in the Creation of Public Art with Chinese Characters: Take Qingshan Hongfang as an Example

Abstract: In the modern context of rapid development of artificial intelligence, it provides a new direction for the development of public art in the new situation. The digital reconstruction of modern and contemporary public art has provided new experiences in terms of interaction and emotion. The popularization of interactive devices and virtual reality technologies has made the forms of public art more diverse and the audience's experience more personalized. As the carrier of Chinese civilization, Chinese characters have their special cultural significance and resonance. Translating Chinese characters through public art is a good form of expression. Currently, there is a lack of public art works with cultural identity in urban public spaces in China. This article will use a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the public art and Chinese character design cases of the Red Steel City Red House architectural complex in Qingshan District by sorting out relevant concepts and combining case study methods. Ultimately exploring the combination of digital technology and virtual reality, incorporating Chinese characters as a creative element in contemporary art and design. Intended to provide reference and inspiration for art creators and related practitioners.

Endowed with positive values and fatal weaknesses: Public art practices in post-industrial landscape --- A systematic review

Public art, due to its convenient participatory function and strong social integration ability, is being widely used in the protection, adaptive reuse and innovation of urban post-industrial landscape. In the process of urban renewal, although different forms of public art practice have brought many positive values and benefits to post-industrial landscape, such as the preference for sustainable development of the city, the continuation of urban context or the concern for local community residents based on “top-down” and “bottom-up” cases. Meanwhile, a series of fatal weaknesses arise are ultimately attributed to fragment and single protection of post-industrial landscape. The goal of this study is to systematically review and classify articles on the involvement of public art in post-industrial landscape (a process for screening articles was designed) in order to more clearly find out the positive values and fatal weaknesses of public art practice in various process of post-industrial landscape protection based on both “top-down” and “bottom-up” models. Most previous studies have focused on case analysis and have not discussed this issue or used this method. Therefore, the study is valuable. The conclusions of the study show eight positive values and seven fatal weaknesses in the application of public art practice in post-industrial landscape. It should be pointed out that “inspiring interaction and involvement” and “strengthening community identity,” are the most important factors in the practice of public art in post-industrial landscape. In the future stage, we should focus on and address the issue of "how to establish long-term artistic practice?” and “how we can better balance interests and rights among multiple stakeholders?" within public art academic ocean.

I Belong: Gender and Sexuality Minoritized Students' Positive Perceptions of Campus Climate Protect Against PTSD Following Sexual Assault.

Sexual assault is a widespread problem among institutions of higher education. Students whose gender and/or sexuality are minoritized (GSM; non-cisgender and/or non-heterosexual) are especially vulnerable to experiencing sexual assault and its negative consequences, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A sense of belonging within the campus community can protect victims of sexual assault from negative psychological outcomes; however, no study to date has examined whether this aspect of a positive campus climate protects GSM victims, in particular, from developing more severe PTSD symptoms after sexual assault. We hypothesized that GSM victims would experience more severe PTSD symptoms than non-GSM victims after experiencing sexual assault and that their perceptions of campus climate would moderate this relationship. All undergraduate students from a public liberal arts college on the East Coast were asked to participate in an online survey about their history of sexual assault and emotional well-being. Of those who completed the survey, approximately 18% reported a history of sexual assault (N = 146). GSM victims of sexual assault reported more severe PTSD symptoms than non-GSM victims; however, a significant interaction showed that PTSD symptoms were similar for GSM and non-GSM victims with high ratings of campus climate. Thus, positive perceptions of campus climate protected GSM students from experiencing more severe PTSD symptoms. These findings inform administrative efforts by suggesting the need for more inclusive support resources (i.e., crisis centers and orientation materials), curricula, and community spaces for GSM students.

Practical Research on Integrating Folk Art into Public Art Education Courses

This study focuses on the feasibility and practical strategies for integrating folk art into public art education courses. By exploring the cultural heritage and educational value of folk art, it analyzes the current shortcomings in public art education and underscores the necessity of incorporating folk art into the curriculum. The study designs suitable content and methods, including traditional art optimization and diverse resource applications, to strengthen students' cultural identity and aesthetic development. Additionally, case studies demonstrate the tangible effects of integrating folk art into public art education, with results indicating a significant improvement in students’ understanding and appreciation of local art. This research provides new insights for future public art course designs and proposes expanding folk art education with technological support.

Exploring the Role of Local Artists in Public Health Campaigns

This paper investigates the role of local artists in public health campaigns, emphasizing how art can serve as a potent tool for health communication. By examining case studies and the intersection of art and public health, the paper reveals how local artists contribute to community mobilization, enhance message dissemination, and foster behavioral changes through various creative mediums. The study also examines the challenges artists face in such campaigns, including funding, recognition, and integration into public health initiatives. Recommendations are offered for fostering more effective collaborations between artists and health professionals, promoting the co-creation of impactful health messaging. Keywords: Local artists, public health campaigns, health communication, community engagement, art and health collaboration.

‘HepGenç’: A youth festival to promote health and well-being via films, photography, music, and arts

Abstract Background The ‘Lifelong Health’ framework of WHO emphasizes that investing in health during young ages fosters better health and higher quality of life in later years. When working with and for youth, using innovative and participatory approaches have become more important for effective health communication, especially in an era of increased environmental stimuli, digitalization, and decreased attention span for many young people, who are less attracted with traditional/ didactic health education and communication methods. Objectives This paper aims to share practical experiences of a multidisciplinary team of professionals with backgrounds in public health, psychiatry, communication, music, and arts, in collaboration with young people to organize a series of youth health festivals in different cities of Turkiye to promote youth health literacy and access to health care, with a special focus on mental health and well-being. Results HepGenc (ForeverYoung) Festivals are organized by academics and youth from different universities in Turkiye, in collaboration with NGOs and local municipalities of cities, where the events take place. These events encourage young people to think about health and well-being, including social and environmental determinants of health via short films, photography, music, and arts. The series of festivals use creative workshops to introduce different health and well-being topics to youth, who may not always find these issues ‘attractive.’ Social and mental health, including resilience and ability to adapt are also addressed, which help young participants to build a holistic and comprehensive look on health and its determinants. Conclusions Organizing health-focused festivals using films, photography, music, and arts encourages young people to be creative and productive, while raising their awareness on healthy lifestyles and healthy cities, and how they can be agents of positive change. Key messages • Using films, music, and arts help with greater engagement of young people and facilitates their learning, as well as their creativity and productivity. • Collaboration of health, communication, and arts professionals strengthens health communication/ education programs, with additional beneficial outcomes for all disciplines including shared learning.

The Impact of Virtual Immersive Public Art on the Restorative Experience of Urban Residents

This study explores the role of virtual immersive public art in improving the psychological well-being of urban residents. The research is set in the context of urban environments, where virtual immersive public art has the potential to foster innovation, integrate technology, and organically blend into public spaces. The study evaluates the impact of such art on psychological restoration by focusing on three key dimensions: interactive themes, interactive mechanisms, and artistic characteristics. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect participants’ real-life experiences and reactions to these art installations. The results show that virtual immersive public art significantly contributes to the restorative experience of urban residents, offering valuable insights into how these installations can promote mental health. Based on the findings, the study provides practical design recommendations for incorporating virtual immersive public art into future urban planning and design projects to enhance urban living conditions and support psychological recovery.

LGBTQ+ themed public art: promoting an expanded view on genders and advancing gender education

This essay explores the transformative role of LGBTQ+ themed public art in promoting an expanded view of genders and advancing gender education. By engaging with Judith Butler’s theory of gender performativity, I want to stress how public art both serves as a medium for aesthetic expression and also acts as a crucial participant in the performative act of gender identity construction. From the vibrant defiance of rainbow crosswalks to the poignant narratives of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the impactful murals by Keith Haring, LGBTQ+ themed public art challenges traditional gender roles and identities, offering alternative visions that resist binary classifications. These public artworks create inclusive spaces that foster community engagement, historical commemoration, and activism, effectively enhancing public pedagogy in gender education. By embedding diverse and non-normative expressions of gender and sexuality in public consciousness, such art prompts a reevaluation of societal norms, thereby contributing to a broader understanding and acceptance of gender diversity. This essay emphasizes the potential of LGBTQ+ -themed public art to serve as a dynamic medium for communicative pedagogy, manifesting its significance in shaping social consciousness and advancing the cause of gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

The Relaxed Tutorial Project: distance learning and anxiety in Classical Studies

Abstract ‘Relaxed’ events are now common across the public Arts and Heritage sectors. Although designed with the needs of autistic children and their families in mind, they suit people with a range of access needs. Our project at The Open University asked: what would a ‘relaxed tutorial’ look like, and who might benefit from it? Across two years (2021–2023), tutors in the Department of Classical Studies at The Open University trialled a set of autism-friendly accessibility adjustments to live online tutorials for distance learners on a Roman History module. We found that relaxed tutorials were welcomed by students with anxiety disorders, caring responsibilities, chronic conditions and low confidence, as well as by autistic students. Since the project was concluded in 2023, relaxed tutorials have been rolled out across further Classical Studies modules at The Open University. Their principles and structure offer a new way of looking at accessibility adjustments which could be adapted to other teaching contexts and levels.

Revisiting Compassion and Job Performance: A Constructive Study in South Korean Public Art Institutions.

This study empirically examines how employee compassion relates to job performance. Specifically, this study is a constructive replication and expansion of a previous study on the relationship between compassion and job performance using multiple sources of measurement. It investigates unexplored pathways within the public art sector in South Korea. Focusing on the mediating roles of positive work-related identity (PWRI) and positive psychological capital, we collected data from public art institutions in Korea, including galleries and museums, using a survey method. We tested the hypotheses using structural equation modeling and the PROCESS bootstrapping method. Our findings demonstrate a positive association between compassion and job performance, serially mediated by PWRI and positive psychological capital. Theoretically, by constructively replicating and expanding the previous findings, our study contributes to a robust understanding of how compassion could enhance employee performance. Practically, this study reinforces the value of fostering compassion and positive psychological resources to improve job performance, particularly within the public art sector.

Inviting new connections with science with public art in Philadelphia

In this Stories piece, Sarah J. McAnulty, the executive director of Skype a Scientist and an assistant research professor at the University of Connecticut, discusses the importance of scientists connecting with their local communities to promote trust in and engagement with science.

Application of new genre public art in community empowerment: a case study of Chongqing Tie Lu San Cun Village, China

Abstract Purpose This paper aims to explore the necessity of using new genre public art (NGPA) to enhance community empowerment based on the characteristics of this art form and in conjunction with community empowerment theory. The study analyzes representative cases of NGPA to investigate its potential for strengthening community empowerment. Methodology The research primarily employs a case study approach, which selects samples based on their influence and project sustainability to examine the characteristics of NGPA. Content The study first analyzes the theories and characteristics of community empowerment and NGPA. Then, it selects the community practice activities of NGPA in Chongqing’s Tie Lu San Cun Village (Railway Third Village) as a case for empowerment analysis. Finally, it discusses the achievements of the project and the areas that need improvement. Conclusion and recommendations The findings show that NGPA can enhance community empowerment. They propose methods for improving areas that need enhancement and provide academic insights for policymakers to support artistic practices due to their benefits for community empowerment.

Designing for Engagement: The Role of Interactive Elements in Public Art Sculptures in Shanghai

Public art in urban landscapes are significant as they play a cultural role for both beautifying and reflecting cultural identity. Traditional public sculptures, catch our eye but quickly fade from cognitive due to passive experience. However, currently, pubic art are integrated with interactive elements such as touch, visuals, sound etc. to enhance perception. Thus, this study aims to i) To explore how public art sculptures can be designed to foster interaction and engagement with the public. ii) To investigates the role of interactive elements in sculptures, such as movement, touch, and multimedia components, and their effectiveness in creating meaningful public experiences. This study adopted a mixed method involving survey of 100 partcipants through online platform and four case studies. Following analysis, it was found that the physical, visual, auditory, and digital interactions contribute uniquely to the engagement of public. Though the study was limited due to its participant selection, it laid a foundation for understanding the designing elements of public art.

Artistic Interventions in Urban Renewal: Exploring the Social Impact and Contribution of Public Art to Sustainable Urban Development Goals

The aim of this study was to explore the multiple roles of public art in urban renewal and sustainable development goals, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, with an emphasis on community engagement and the application of theoretical frameworks. Through a detailed analysis of public art projects in Teruel, Spain, and Chengdu, China, this study shows how public art plays an important role in enhancing cultural values, promoting social inclusion, and driving economic growth. Qualitative methods such as interviews and content analysis were used to gain in-depth insights into the views and experiences of artists, urban planners, policymakers, and community members. At the same time, quantitative methods such as questionnaires and spatial analysis were used to assess the specific impacts of public art on urban beautification, social inclusion, and economic growth.

Aesthetic Resistance: Reimagining Critical Epistemology and the Grammars of Silence

ABSTRACT This article argues that critical epistemology should aim at centering the voices and perspectives of those who have been excluded and silenced, proposing a way of doing that by combining Black feminist standpoint theory and Latina feminist theory as they converge in María del Rosario Acosta López’s philosophy of radical listening. The article also argues for the crucial significance of aesthetic interventions for creating epistemic friction that can transform our sensibilities so that we can start to listen to silences. The author offers an analysis of the subversive potential in Doris Salcedo’s public art as an illustration of how aesthetic resistance can be used in practices of epistemic activism that resist insensitivity and promote new ways of listening to silenced voices and liminal sites.

Public Art and Cultural Identity: Analysing the Keris Sculpture under Municipal Hang Tuah Jaya, Melaka

In the Malay community, the Keris served not only as a self-defence tool but also as a significant symbol reflecting the Malay community and cultural heritage. This study explores the symbolic meaning and cultural significance of the public sculpture Keris at Jalan Air Keroh, installed by the Municipal Hang Tuah Jaya, Melaka Councils. Applying Feldman's art criticism theory, which encompasses four main aspects - description, analysis, interpretation, and judgement, this research seeks to investigate the design and meaning of the sculpture. Despite its prominent visibility and visual solid impact along the roadside, its deep cultural significance and influence on the local community remain enigmatic. By providing a comprehensive analysis of the symbolic and artistic elements of the Keris sculpture, this study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by utilising a systematic descriptive qualitative approach based on Feldmans's theory. The findings of this study are expected to provide comprehensible information that can enhance both local and tourist understanding and appreciation of the sculpture. It can also strengthen interactions and appreciation of Malay culture in Melaka. Findings showed the potential of public sculpture in Melaka, which serves as an aesthetic element and a crucial component to bringing a closer understanding and appreciation in promoting the cultural and historical significance of the Malay community to the general public.