BUILDING THE CASE FOR PUBLIC ART

The Benefits of Public Art

The essence of a livable city extends beyond economic prosperity and comfortable living spaces, encompassing a vital need to nourish the human spirit—an imperative fulfilled by the arts.

Public art serves as a tangible memorialization of societal values, uplifting our collective spirits, grounding civic life, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings.

Il Segreto by Emanuele De Reggi

The multifaceted contributions of public art to a city are myriad:

• Inspiring Pride: Public art fosters a sense of civic pride, creating meaningful connections between residents and their shared cultural heritage.
• Transforming Places: Whether adorning prominent landmarks or enhancing everyday spaces, public art adds value to the built environment, transforming places with added meaning, beauty, and context.
• Providing Accessible Enjoyment: Serving as a perpetual source of delight, public art remains open and freely accessible to residents and visitors, contributing to a continuous cultural experience.
• Defining Place and Identity: Public art shapes a city’s identity, creating recognizable landmarks and iconic symbols.

In essence, public art becomes an integral component of a city’s narrative, weaving together a tapestry of pride, identity, and accessible cultural enrichment that stands as a testament to the city’s vibrant soul.

Advocating for Percent for Art

Selene by María Gamundí

The infusion of public art into a city often hinges on the proactive efforts of its leaders. A powerful and proven strategy employed by many cities is the implementation of “percent for art” programs. Through these initiatives, cities enact legislation mandating the allocation of a percentage of funds from capital construction or renovation projects to the acquisition and maintenance of permanent public art. Typically ranging between 0.5% and 2%, these programs breathe life into public spaces, while fostering access to the arts and enhancing community life.

Over 350 “percent for art” programs have been established in the United States.  As of today, the City of Newport News has not yet adopted a “percent for art” policy. We encourage you to advocate to City Council Members to embrace and implement this transformative initiative.