- What is Public Art?
The term public art refers to a specific art genre with its own professional and critical discourse. It represents art in any media whose form, function and meaning are created for the general public through a public process. Public art is accessible original art. It may include but is not limited to permanent visual art, creative restoration or repurposing of unique architectural features, ornamentation or details, artist-designed infrastructure and structures themselves.
Public art may serve a function, express a theme, or commemorate an important person, place or thing. It may underscore or provide a counterpoint to the architecture and surrounding site. It may serve as a landmark that adds definition to the City of Wichita. Public art should consider the site, its context and audience. Public art may possess functional as well as aesthetic qualities. It may be integrated into the site or building or presented as a discrete work.
