Public Art and Place Identity: Animating Stories of Place through Public Art

Public artworks have long served as defining visual elements of public space. Taking many forms, public art is used internationally as a device to drive urban regeneration and increasingly, as a mechanism for social commentary and expression of place identity. Irrespective of the typology, public art can animate the social and cultural fabric of place. Best practice public art can improve public amenity while reflecting the local historical, cultural and social context. However, care needs to be taken to ensure that public art programs include and benefit existing users and residents of places undergoing revitalisation.

According to the 2022 National Arts Participation Survey, one in two Australians believe that creativity and the arts have had an impact on shaping Australian identity. 71% of survey respondents agreed that creative and cultural experiences helped them understand perspectives different to their own.

Successful public art initiatives have served as a catalyst for strengthening community identity while fostering a sense of belonging in a culturally diverse landscape.

In 2021, the Melbourne Art Trams exhibition utilised the iconic Melbourne tram as a vessel for reflecting the city’s cultural heritage, exploring themes of ancestral knowledge , caring for country, innovation, and diversity. The moving exhibition was curated by Jarra Karalinar Steel with six trams showcasing works of selected First Peoples artists. In addition to their aesthetic quality, the Art Trams told stories of place and its people.

Similarly, since 2017 Darwin’s Street Arts Festival has attracted thousands of visitors each year and has been integral in reviving underutilised spaces, preserving cultural heritage, and enriching community identity. Large murals depicting local stories are painted on blank facades and empty carparking spaces. Residents were encouraged to take less travelled routes previously deemed unsafe, which were now brought to life with vibrant artworks. Today, the festival has evolved into a core part of the City’s identity with locals taking pride in seeing facets of their experience and identity reflected across the city.

Both cases exemplify the unique ability of public art to solidify the character of a place and create a sense of distinctiveness within its context.

However, if overused as a ‘quick and easy’ fix for deeper urban issues, public art programs can become overly generic, misrepresentative, and risk alienating or displacing existing communities. Community consultation and early engagement is vital for public art initiatives, using planned resources and guidance material for actively listening to local voices. Additionally, responsible councils and interested stakeholders could consider public art programs that have a consistent presence in the community over one-off investments and include participation from community members who may not typically participate.

Public art is a powerful tool for animating the narratives, values, and aspirations of communities. There is potential to increase sense of belonging and community pride by representing the unique and diverse cultural landscape of modern Australia, inclusive of First Nations heritage, environmental diversity, multiculturalism, and other under-represented communities. Like all elements of urban design, successful public art projects are complex challenges, and it is important to ensure such initiatives authentically represent the diverse voices and experiences within our communities.