9.3 Commissioned works and public art programs

Commissioned street art and public art programs are changing the game. Artists get paid to create legal works, while communities benefit from beautified spaces. It's a win-win situation that's transforming urban landscapes and perceptions of street art.

These initiatives bring challenges too. Balancing artistic freedom with commissioner expectations can be tricky. And there's the ongoing debate about authenticity in sanctioned works. Still, commissioned art is reshaping how we view and value street art.

Commissioned Street Art and Public Art Programs

Concept of commissioned street art

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  Roadartist in Athens: Street Art by Alice Pasquini View original

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  062DSC_0163 | Detroit Graffiti, Street Art, Murals | Matt Taylor | Flickr View original

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  Multi-colored Ribbon of Paint mural -The Street Art Murals… | Flickr View original

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  Roadartist in Athens: Street Art by Alice Pasquini View original

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  062DSC_0163 | Detroit Graffiti, Street Art, Murals | Matt Taylor | Flickr View original

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Top images from around the web for Concept of commissioned street art

• 

  Roadartist in Athens: Street Art by Alice Pasquini View original

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  062DSC_0163 | Detroit Graffiti, Street Art, Murals | Matt Taylor | Flickr View original

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  Multi-colored Ribbon of Paint mural -The Street Art Murals… | Flickr View original

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  Roadartist in Athens: Street Art by Alice Pasquini View original

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  062DSC_0163 | Detroit Graffiti, Street Art, Murals | Matt Taylor | Flickr View original

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• Commissioned street art involves artists being hired or granted permission to create works on specific surfaces or locations
• Property owners or authorities legally sanction and approve the artworks (murals, sculptures)
• Commissioned pieces often revolve around a predetermined theme, design, or purpose to align with the interests of the commissioning entity
• Differs from unauthorized street art and graffiti, which are created without permission and may be considered illegal or vandalism (tags, stickers)

Role of public art programs

• Public art programs are government-funded initiatives that support and manage public art projects in communities
• These programs provide opportunities for artists to create commissioned works in public spaces (parks, buildings)
• Establish guidelines and regulations for the creation, installation, and maintenance of public art to ensure quality and appropriateness
• Promote street art by encouraging legal, commissioned works and providing resources and support for artists (grants, materials)
• Organize events, festivals, and exhibitions to showcase street art and engage the public (mural tours, art walks)
• Regulate street art by developing policies and procedures for the approval and management of commissioned projects
• Establish criteria for the selection of artists and artworks based on factors such as artistic merit, community relevance, and feasibility

Benefits vs challenges of commissions

• Benefits for artists:
  • Provides a legal and financially supported platform for creating works, allowing artists to focus on their craft
  • Increases exposure and recognition for artists through high-visibility projects and media attention
  • Offers opportunities for collaboration with other artists, community members, and organizations
• Benefits for communities:
  • Enhances the visual appeal and cultural value of public spaces, making them more vibrant and engaging
  • Fosters a sense of pride, identity, and belonging among residents by reflecting local history, values, and aspirations
  • Attracts visitors and stimulates the local economy by creating destinations and promoting tourism
• Benefits for property owners:
  • Adds value and uniqueness to their properties, making them more attractive and marketable
  • Deters unauthorized graffiti and vandalism by occupying wall space and discouraging illegal tagging
  • Improves the overall image and reputation of the area, contributing to revitalization and development efforts
• Challenges:
  • Balancing artistic freedom with the expectations and requirements of commissioners, who may have specific preferences or constraints
  • Ensuring the longevity and maintenance of commissioned works, which may be exposed to weather, vandalism, or deterioration over time
  • Addressing concerns of gentrification and displacement in communities, as commissioned art may contribute to rising property values and demographic changes

Impact on street art perception

• Commissioned works and public art programs contribute to the legitimization of street art as a valid and valuable form of art
• Challenges the notion of street art and graffiti as solely associated with vandalism, crime, and illegal activities
• Encourages public appreciation, understanding, and engagement with street art by making it more accessible and visible
• Commissioned projects demonstrate the potential of street art to enhance public spaces, tell stories, and address social issues
• Increases public awareness and acceptance of street art as a meaningful cultural asset that deserves recognition and support
• Promotes dialogue and debate about the role, significance, and future of street art in contemporary society
• The presence of commissioned works may inspire and motivate unauthorized artists to create more works, both legal and illegal
• Commissioned projects may also lead to increased scrutiny, regulation, and enforcement against unauthorized graffiti by authorities
• The distinction between commissioned and unauthorized works may become more pronounced and contested, raising questions about authenticity, legitimacy, and artistic integrity in the street art world