Community involvement in public art: An overview and two models, Arts on the Line and Arts in Transit

Since the mid-1960s, there has been a proliferation of works of art in public places. These art works become significant to the public when the content of the art works is relevant to the site and the local audience. Public art programs are developing productive ways to involve local citizens, producing new partnerships. As a result, art programs can assist in a variety of community development efforts to address growing social concerns. An examination of two case studies, Arts on the Line and Arts in Transit, reveals that public art programs can be vehicles for individuals to improve personal skills. The author finds that a two-tiered artist selection process can be effective when community representatives help create and implement the projects. Increased community involvement does not, however, ensure that the installed art works will be consistent with community requirements. A number of recommendations are made to improve future public art projects and to enrich community participants' experiences.