Public art is a multifaceted field of inquiry; it encompasses a wide variety of creative expressions in the public realm. From memorials and historical monuments to contemporary installations and performance events, the possibilities are endless. Each public art program's intention varies; definitions and generalizations are not commonly held. Some communities see public art as a way of enhancing or personalizing otherwise impersonal spaces. Others view it as a means to activate civic dialogue or provide a vehicle for the community to express its identity. Achieving success with a public art program is challenging, to say the least, and there are numerous cautionary tales.

This Monograph offers an overview of the field for people new to public art, from elected officials and community members to artists and arts administrators. On the occasion of the first-ever survey of the field conducted by the Public Art Network of Americans for the Arts, it is appropriate to ask some large questions. What constitutes the public art field today? Why is public art beneficial to a community? What are the critical issues in the field? Beyond these important discussions, this document includes highlights from the survey.

Americans for the Arts’ Monograph series featured in-depth issue papers on topics that were of the greatest interest to our members and arts professionals at the time. They often still serve as excellent resources for best practices and historic reference for today’s issues. Monographs were produced from 1993–2010. Monographs from 2001-2010 are available for downloadable in PDF format our online store at a nominal fee for nonmembers but free to members. All monographs from 1993-2000 are available for free download via the National Arts Administration and Policy Publications Database.

This Monograph offers an overview of the field for people new to public art and reports on results from the first-ever survey of the Publica Art Network of Americans for the Arts.