Art brings us together
We all love art, whether it’s our favorite author, music, poetry or painting; art is vital to our well being. It is also important for economic growth as it impacts the community and brings us together. Without art we would be boring creatures living mundane lives.
One of the amazing parts of creating outdoor sculpture is meeting new people in a new community and learning and expressing this communities values through art. I’ve met some really wonderful and talented people. Because I love what I do I’ve stayed in touch with many of them over the years and this gives so much meaning to the work that I do.
In a community, public art invites us out of our homes and into a town square. Perhaps its for a local art studio tour, a sculpture unveiling or a new movie in theaters that gets us out and about. Or perhaps it’s to watch a concert. Art invites good conversation and can help form a bond between two strangers.
Treasures within a community
Anyone can engage with art in a public setting. It gives people a sense of belonging to a community and encourages interaction with others, sometimes strangers. Whether it’s a single permanently installed bronze sculpture or a large veterans park, art reflects a community and attracts people to its uniqueness.
Some of the benefits of public sculpture and how art impacts the community are:
- Economic growth. People are more inclined to venture out if there is artwork to see and experience. Increased foot traffic means people are spending money in a community.
- Cultural identity. Art expresses life in so many ways. When community members see themselves reflected in public spaces, they feel connected to where they live. Artwork gives them a sense of identity within their community.
- Awareness. When a sculpture or mural in a public space has added meaning, a community might develop more of an appreciation for its subject.
- Education. Often times art in a public setting serves to educate a community. Whether it’s a bronze sculpture of a city founder or of a local inventor, art can be a beaming light on an otherwise unknown or forgotten subject.
Take it from a leader…
“The arts empower and give a voice to the voiceless. The arts help transform American communities and, as I often say, the result can be a better child, a better town, a better nation and certainly a better world. Let’s champion our arts action heroes, emulate them and make our communities everything we want them to be.” ~ Robert L. Lynch, President, Americans for the Arts
