A few weeks ago, I wrote about the impact art has in public spaces. A topic I would like to touch upon briefly is, what kind of impact can public art have on community and its members? Summertime is the ideal period to witness such displays because the weather is ideal and locals and tourists alike will surely flock the streets in search of beauty and entertainment.
Virtually every week in the summer, there is some sort of art-related event occurring in the Metro Vancouver area that has the potential to bring the public together. Whether it is ongoing exhibits like the everywhere is anywhere is anything is everything exhibit by Douglas Coupland at the Vancouver Art Gallery, or single day event like swing dancing along Robson street on a Sunday afternoon, there is something artsy for all to enjoy.
A recent display of pubic art that has already begun to gain interest in the public is the Jump for Joy mural ( we have of course referenced this project several times on our site and it has finally been completed! Thanks Victoria for the update.) which is part of the wonderful things to not only brighten older areas of this great city, but to create a place of gathering and encourage dialogue about the art, the neighbourhood and possible plans for future projects and improvement.
When we invite the public to view art, wherever and however it might be displayed, we touch upon issues of identity, place, community and even history. The experience of art will never be the same for every person, but it will likely evoke some emotion, great or small.
Nadia Mthombeni
Murality 