Participatory public art: A sustainable place-making practice

Abstract

In contemporary urban development, public art is recognized as an important part of place-making and is nowadays established as research and professional practice. Nevertheless, concept and practice of public art is not fixed and is recently passing substantial changes. This change is related to the recognition of the importance of interdisciplinary work and broad public participation in production of urban space - in order to achieve more sustainable public places. In this context, participatory public art is developed as an art form that connects various stakeholders and design disciplines on different stages of public art project realization. But we argue that although participatory public art can contribute to sustainable place-making, restrictions for public participation in public art process exist and depend on social, political and economic context. Analysis of context and possibilities for participatory public art in Serbia confirmed that this form of public art can make important contribution to sustainability of urban places on various bases. At the same time analysis pointed out that, if it is not institutionalized through public art programs and policies, contribution of public art to place-making remains limited, sporadic and temporary.