According to American urban studies theorist Richard Florida http://www.creativeclass.com/richard_florida, “Public art plays two roles in a community: It helps to create an authentic sense of place and serves as a tool for revitalization. Quality of place is one of the defining issues of the creative economy. Places that are aesthetically pleasing help to attract innovative, creative talent. The arts can also help play a role in revitalization. Investment in the arts (galleries, public arts, common spaces, etc.) provides public leaders with a viable alternative to the large capital investments such as stadiums, convention centers, and so on.”
Downtown Minneapolis has done an amazing job of engaging local artists and installing art in public spaces. We got to see much of this public art first-hand at the recent International Downtown Association conference. Here are a few snapshots of how public art can change Downtown.
What ideas do you have for public art in Downtown Jacksonville?