The Role of Public Art in Community Identity and Urban Development

Abstract

Purpose: This study sought to investigate the role of public art in community identity and urban development. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the role of public art in community identity and urban development. Preliminary empirical review revealed that public art significantly enhances community identity and urban development by reflecting cultural and historical narratives, fostering social cohesion, and encouraging civic engagement. It demonstrated that public art can transform urban spaces into vibrant, interactive environments, thereby boosting local economies and promoting sustainable urban growth. The study emphasized the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches in planning public art projects to ensure they reflect and serve their communities effectively, and it called for long-term strategies to sustain the benefits of public art in urban development. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Social Capital Theory, Place Attachment Theory and Cultural Theory of Urban Design may be used to anchor future studies on the role of public art in community identity and urban development. The study highlighted significant theoretical, practical, and policy contributions. It emphasized the role of public art in fostering social capital and place attachment, advocated for its inclusion in urban planning as a strategic tool for social cohesion and economic revitalization, and recommended inclusive, participatory approaches to ensure community engagement. The study also stressed the importance of policies for the sustainability and maintenance of public artworks and suggested that integrating public art into urban development strategies could bridge cultural and economic goals, creating vibrant and inclusive urban environments.