Why Public Art?

by Dale Woodfin

In early June, the community of South Pittsburg, TN will have it’s first community collaborative mural completed. I’m sure there are some who would ask – Why do we need a mural? This is an important question and I’m going to do my best to shed a little light on why public art is essential in small communities.

A city that participates in public art elevates its value as a destination while enhancing its cultural identity, social interaction, and economic stability. Displaying art in a community helps to differentiate it from other communities. It becomes part of the revitalization and livelihood a community offers to visitors and those seeking a home.

While public art is not free to create it is free to enjoy. There is no admission cost, and you can take it home with you with one click of the camera lens. It is always open and there is no dress code – well, almost no dress code. Public art is something you can enjoy on your own or take in with a few friends. It is a place where you can come together as a community or make new friends with those who come to visit.

Think about how the Shelby Rhinehart Bridge (The Blue Bridge) has become an icon for our community. A great example of of public art in the form of architecture, The Blue Bridge adds to the culture and identity of our community. Murals and other public works of art will contribute to South Pittsburgs’ identity in the same way as The Blue Bridge. With each mural, sculpture, manhole cover art, and street art project, our community adds layers of identity and sets itself apart from other communities in our area. In fact, in cities and communities across our nation, it is not uncommon to see public and private spaces brightly and creatively decorated with public art contributing to the uniqueness of the community.

Now think about how on March 22nd, 50 members of our community came together to meet via Zoom, each providing their individual thoughts and visuals describing the things that make South Pittsburg feel like home. That’s what it’s all about!

Check out these cool examples.

Arts in the Burg is a program of SPARQ

Tennessee Placemaking Partnership

The Tennessee Placemaking Project is a collaborative pilot project between Thrive Regional Partnership, Tennessee Arts Commission, Southeast Tennessee Development, and the Lyndhurst Foundation. The project is designed to support local communities as they scale up strategies that leverage local arts and cultural assets for economic vibrancy and growth throughout the greater Chattanooga region. To learn more, visit www.thriveregionalpartnership.org/projects/tn-placemaking-partnership. 

Thriving Communities

Thriving Communities is a creative placemaking program of Thrive Regional Partnership designed to leverage local arts and culture assets for economic vibrancy and growth throughout the greater Chattanooga region. To learn more, visit www.ThriveRegionalPartnership.org/Thriving-Communities.

Thrive Regional Partnership

Thrive Regional Partnership inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection, and collaboration across the tri-state greater Chattanooga region. To learn more visit www.thriveregionalpartnership.org.

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Arts in the Burg is a program of SPARQ

Tennessee Placemaking Partnership

The Tennessee Placemaking Project is a collaborative pilot project between Thrive Regional Partnership, Tennessee Arts Commission, Southeast Tennessee Development, and the Lyndhurst Foundation. The project is designed to support local communities as they scale up strategies that leverage local arts and cultural assets for economic vibrancy and growth throughout the greater Chattanooga region. To learn more, visit www.thriveregionalpartnership.org/projects/tn-placemaking-partnership. 

Thriving Communities

Thriving Communities is a creative placemaking program of Thrive Regional Partnership designed to leverage local arts and culture assets for economic vibrancy and growth throughout the greater Chattanooga region. To learn more, visit www.ThriveRegionalPartnership.org/Thriving-Communities.

Thrive Regional Partnership

Thrive Regional Partnership inspires responsible growth through conversation, connection, and collaboration across the tri-state greater Chattanooga region. To learn more visit www.thriveregionalpartnership.org.