Outlook for Public art is Bright, Despite the Times

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One of Olafur Eliasson's "Waterfalls" underneath the Brooklyn Bridge

One of Olafur Eliasson's "Waterfalls" underneath the Brooklyn Bridge

The state of public art projects may actually be quite good, even faced with adversity in trying times like these. American Artist acknowledges the inevitable decline in funding for public arts projects from private sources but highlights the benefit of public funding for arts projects during tight economic periods.

PPS’ Cynthia Nikitin asserts that “art commissions tied to these projects will continue to survive”. Local and state government legislators have long known that artwork in public places actually generates revenue. New York City’s “Waterfalls” and “Gates” installations from the summers of 2008 and 2006 together generated over $300 million in revenue from visitors. Unfortunately, not everyone sees the light. Colorado has already cut planned spending for public art by about 40%. Luckily, however, few other states have gone down that path so most public art commissions associated with public projects will continue to move forward as planned.

To read more about public art, go to the American Artist website.

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  • http://famegame.com ryan

    glad to hear the future isn’t bleak, and i’d love to see how the revised budgets for these projects affect the size and scale of them…

  • Nigel

    Public art is an important element of a city. In these dire times, it’s important to display on a mass scale the creative work of people. While I don’t think the Gates or the Waterfalls were that inspiring as pieces of art, the raw idea of a project that big is.

  • Erik

    In Denver, CO It is unlawful to lend your vacuum cleaner to your next-door neighbor.
    In Pueblo, CO It is illegal to let a dandelion grow within the city limits.

  • andrew

    i am excited for a new era of public art projects. there is so much wonderful public art from the past (statue of liberty, rockefeller plaza, the arch at washington square park, etc) that unite people both physically and conceptually. America’s identity is a wonderful example of a diverse and collaborative community. this presidency, these wars, and this economic downturn are a chance for a renaissance of ideals, ideas, and symbols that will gravitate people together toward a better future and a better understanding of American values.

  • Dory

    Wait! Is that man wearing a BELT with his swim trunks?