This was the question that animated the planners of Phoenix’s public art program nearly 35 years ago. While cities, and the practice of public art, have experienced dramatic change since then, it’s still the question that we ask every day.
We believe in the power of art to help cities realize their visions.
Public art can transform individuals, neighborhoods and the way that a city operates —
whether it serves as a gateway, a point of community pride, or a conversation starter;
whether it is work by the nation’s finest artists or by local creative practices.
We believe in the power of people and place.
Public art can connect people to a deeper understanding of what a place is all about. It can reveal the meanings, histories and aspirations of a place in ways that are fresh, unexpected and deeply meaningful.
We believe in placemaking.
Public art can be a living, ongoing resource. Artworks, along with continued programing and
education, can activate public spaces, strengthen the fabric of a community and add to the mix
that will attract visitors, business and residents to a city.
We believe in cultivating everyone’s creative voice.
Public art provides people with access to art experiences that they might not otherwise have in the course of their daily lives. These experiences can enrich us as individuals, enable us to enjoy our surroundings, sharpen our creative voice, broaden our outlook on the world, and help us participate more fully as members of our communities.
We believe in engaging everyone’s ideas.
The most powerful plans come from the inspiration of the people we meet. Public art projects, and the processes by which they are created, can heighten social and cultural awareness, strengthen community bonds, give voice to marginalized communities, and build a path to constructive civic participation.
We believe in artists.
Public art brings an artistic voice to public space. Public art plans and programs must consider how to stimulate artistic creativity, empower artists to create new work in the public realm and support the viability of public art practice.
We believe that art can be at the forefront of civic and cultural dialogue.
Public art can tap into the conversations that a community has having about its past, present and future — thereby strengthening a community’s civic, cultural and social fabric.