As a passionate participant in the Burning Man phenomenon in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert for more than 20 years, I truly believe art holds the remarkable power to change lives. From creating desirable gathering places for communities to igniting important conversations, establishing recognizable parts of a neighborhood and creating focal points for memories, art holds transformative power. Introducing art into public spaces holds numerous benefits, not only for members of the community, but also for businesses and municipalities. Any organization is capable of commissioning public art and, as an immensely flexible medium, there are infinite possibilities.
Typical opportunities include adding art to common areas, dedicated public spaces or even an owned physical space. Any of these spaces can become art-centric through an art installation, temporary or permanent piece of art or an activation aligning with the location.
The process begins with a business or municipality’s desire and willingness to invest in public art. Municipalities, of course, will have more policies and procedures in place to ensure accountability. Businesses often have more leeway in this sense but are usually more likely to be restricted by physical space or financial commitments.
After determining the space, time and investment needed for the art, the journey to completion depends upon the type of project the group is hoping to create. Projects vary depending on whether the end result is intended to be a dynamic living art space, enhanced and activated common area or art installation.
For interested businesses or municipalities, it’s also important to note that, oftentimes, art is an afterthought and is therefore limited by existing conditions. However, this is a challenge, not a roadblock. Art, either found or created, can thrive in existing spaces.
With more conversations surrounding public art and its benefits, art can become a normal consideration in planning stages for both municipalities and private developers and business owners. Early conversation creates the most opportunity for bringing a living art space to life as well as creating designs that grow with the property or developed areas.
By introducing art into spaces that people visit, either organically or by design, businesses and municipalities demonstrate their strong desire to connect with their visitors as well as create experiences and areas for the public to appreciate. There are so many ways to approach this integration of art that can be tailored to specific aspirations of those embracing the project. It is important to consider the space – from all aspects – in the process.
The power of a business adding public art to its space can be observed at AREA15, where a dedicated area for public large-scale art was part of the initial design of the immersive art and entertainment complex. As the art consultant and curator for AREA15, we commissioned iconic art works and placed them in an area known as Art Island that was free to the public and helped serve as a draw for the venue’s indoor attractions and experiences. The response was incredible and the site was visited by more than 2 million people in the first year.
Public art exposes people to mediums and concepts they may have never previously considered as art. It has the ability to inspire others to create in ways they may not have imagined. In addition, it provides businesses and municipalities with opportunities to drive traffic and connect with their visitors.
Josh Levine is Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Fired Up Management
