Public art can take on any ‘form’, be it massive or small, abstract or realistic. The art can be painted, carved or sculpted, and the purpose of it can range from expressing values in a community to challenging how we see our environment. Art is for everyone, and it is an opportunity for the artist to reflect on their perspective of place, time and human values. Why do we install public art? Who appreciates it?

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Art installations can attract positive or negative attention and often lead to controversy. Consider the feelings that people have towards Banksy, the anonymous street artist. Some call it genius, while others think that all street art is criminal graffiti. Public art is a topic of discussion for all parties involved, including the public, politicians, council leaders, funding agencies, and artists.

Public art displays are part of our culture, history and reflect our values. Artists will try to translate their inner visions in a way that reflects the experience of the public. Many examples of public art date back thousands of years. The first public art was made of stonework, which includes monuments like funeral monuments, stones circles, statues, and religious sculpture. Public art can also include architectural sculpture. When you need Residential Architects, consider quattrodesign.co.uk

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Paintings, stained-glass windows, installations, and even contemporary artwork can be considered public art if they are displayed outside or in an area that is open to the general public. These can be temporary or permanently displayed and are often found in public places such as parks, squares and city centres. They may also appear on pedestrian walkways or outside of council buildings, courts, museums and libraries, or at transport hubs including train stations and airports.