How Public Art Benefits Communities
What Is Public Art?
One of the best things about public art, also known as community art, is that it can’t be defined by any one form of expression. It can be temporary or permanent, for sale or not, and consist of everything from interactive art installations to murals to outdoor statues and sculptures. What these forms do have in common is being located in a public space where all residents and visitors can enjoy them.
Here’s why you should support public art in your community—and take time to explore it in others. Community art forms have the power to:
Reflect and celebrate communal identity. Thoughtful public art typically reflects aspects of the spirit, history, flora, fauna, or geographic features of the place where it resides. This serves to remind residents of their communal identity and introduce it to newcomers, which in turn can help people feel more connected and unified.
Connect artists and local residents. Public installations give local artists an important role to play in community building, and they also help residents become more familiar with who their local artists are. Beloved murals and sculptures can lead people to seek out other work by the same artists for appreciation or purchases.
Engage the mind in new ways. All art offers viewers the chance to consider its subject matter from fresh perspectives, but traditional art venues may not be accessible or inviting to everyone. Public art has the power to reach the minds of more viewers because it’s literally in the path of residents’ everyday lives. Local street, wall, and park installations offer easy ways for passersby to spark conversations with strangers and take a moment to think about art and culture in analytical ways.
Reduce crime and encourage revitalization. The appearance of a public space has tremendous influence over how people feel and behave in it. Public art can actually help to reduce crime and encourage community development in otherwise troubled neighborhoods. The presence of outdoor art signals that its environment is a civic space to be respected and enjoyed, not abused or avoided.
Explore the Del Mar Art Walk
Del Mar Village is a quaint seaside community rich in history, striking natural beauty, and European charm. First renowned during the golden era of the movie industry, Del Mar was the retreat for Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, who came to enjoy its peaceful ambiance, pristine beaches, and exhilarating thoroughbred horse racing. Today, you can enjoy all this and much more—including our must-see public art forms on the Del Mar Art Walk.
Located just 20 miles north of San Diego on the Southern California coastline, Del Mar Village is unique in its offering of a vibrant small-town atmosphere, sprawling natural playground along the Pacific Ocean, and the casual sophistication of a world-class destination. Check out our Visitor Guide and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on our latest events and offerings.