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What is Public Art?

Penny Balkin Bach and the Association for Public Art

About this Text

The Association for Public Art (aPA) is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and is recognized as a trailblazer for promoting and
advocating for public art throughout Philadelphia. As you read, take notes on the characteristics of public art.

Purpose for Reading Vocabulary

To understand the term “public art” so that we can make more
informed arguments about whether graffiti should be protected
You will see the following words in this text:
Abstract [ab- strakt ]
Contemporary [k uh n- tem -p uh -rer-ee]
Evolve [ih- volv ]
Inevitable [in- ev -i-t uh -b uh l]

SMALL GROUP / PARTNER READING NOTES

[1] Public art is not an art “form.” Its size can be huge or small. It can tower Paragraphs 1-4
fifty feet high or call attention to the paving beneath your feet. Its shape can Take notes on the characteristics of public art.
be abstract or realistic (or both), and it may be cast, carved, built, assembled,
or painted. It can be site-specific or stand in contrast to its surroundings. What
distinguishes public art is the unique association of how it is made, where it is,
and what it means. Public art can express community values, enhance our
environment, transform a landscape, heighten our awareness, or question our
assumptions. Placed in public sites, this art is there for everyone, a form of
collective community expression. Public art is a reflection of how we see the
world – the artist’s response to our time and place combined with our own
sense of who we are.
Who is the “public” for public art?
[2] In a diverse society, all art cannot appeal to all people, nor should it be
expected to do so. Art attracts attention; that is what it is supposed to do. Is it
any wonder, then, that public art causes controversy? Varied popular opinion
is inevitable , and it is a healthy sign that the public environment is
acknowledged rather than ignored. To some degree, every public art project is
an interactive process involving artists, architects, design professionals,
community residents, civic leaders, politicians, approval agencies, funding
agencies, and construction teams. The challenge of this communal process is
to enhance rather than limit the artist’s involvement.
What is the “art” of public art?
[3] As our society and its modes of expression evolve , so will our
definitions of public art. Materials and methods change to reflect our
Unit 6: Graffiti — Art or Crime? 1
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 contemporary culture. The process, guided by professional expertise and
public involvement, should seek
out the most imaginative and productive affinity 1 between artist and community.
Likewise, artists must bring to the work their artistic integrity, creativity, and skill. Take notes on the characteristics of
public art. What is needed is a commitment to invention, boldness, and cooperation – not compromise.
Why public art?
[4] Public art is a part of our public history, part of our evolving culture and our
collective memory. It reflects and reveals our society and adds meaning to our
cities. As artists respond to our times, they reflect their inner vision to the outside
world, and they create a chronicle of our public experience.

Courtesy Association for Public Art , adapted from Public Art in Philadelphia by Penny Balkin Bach (Temple University Press,
Philadelphia, 1992)

1 Affinity (noun) : a liking or sympathy for someone or something, especially because of shared characteristics
Unit 6: Graffiti — Art or Crime? 2
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 Taking Notes for Your Argument Essay
Directions: Think about how this text supports one or both sides of our essay prompt: Should graffiti be
protected? Then add notes to your graphic organizer in the row for this text. 10 minutes

Unit 6: Graffiti — Art or Crime? 3

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 Name Class

Independent Practice
Directions: Answer the multiple choice questions for “What is
Public Art?.” 5 minutes

1. Which word best states the meaning of “chronicle” as used in paragraph 4? [RI.4]
A. mural
B. record
C. judgment
D. agreement

2. Select two criteria that this author considers necessary for something to be public art. [RI.2] A. It must
reference local history.
B. It must involve the community.
C. It must use paint or spray paint.
D. It must tell the artist's personal story.
E. It must express a message about society.

3. What new idea is introduced in paragraph 2? [RI.5]

A. One purpose of public art is to start a conversation that includes different ideas.
B. One purpose of public art is to create something that is free from conflict.
C. One purpose of public art is to help an unknown artist gain practice.
D. One purpose of public art is to honor a community’s past.

4. The author believes public art is important because… [RI.6] A. it helps revitalize abandoned areas of a
city.
B. it gives artists the opportunity to practice their craft.
C. it serves as a reminder about a particular moment in time.
D. it provides a wider population of people the chance to become artists.

5. How does the author’s use of the word “affinity” in paragraph 3 reinforce their view of public art? [RI.4]
A. It supports the idea that public art can heal a divided community.
B. It supports the idea that public art helps a community attract new people.
C. It supports the idea that public art requires that a community and an artist work together.
D. It supports the idea that public art requires a community to listen to the advice of the artist.

Unit 6: Graffiti — Art or Crime? 4

Unless otherwise noted, this content is licensed under the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license.