Why public ART matters :

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Why public ART matters :

What we don't think about is, that cities gain value through public art displays - social, cultural and economic value. ART is setting a growing trend by being an important and recognized part of our public history and our evolving culture. It adds meaning to our cities and create uniqueness to our communities and neighborhoods, it reflects who we are and what we like to surround ourselves with . Public ART is accessible for everyone , it provides a bridge between the past, present and the near future, it is the mirror image of its community , an intersection between discipline and ideas. Public ART is truly for everyone , even if some don't pay any attention to it , it is embedded in their way they think, feel and act.

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“ART is part of the regimen that keeps our mind healthy . It is an important stimulant, one we all take for granted. ”

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In America , cities and towns are almost in direct competition of being the city, the place to be where people want to live, visit and yes, where they spent their money. People chose their homes, by how unique the city is , it is important what our towns look like and it is important to have a certain community identity that allows us to feel safe, wanted and happy. Strong public ART expressions break the fear of sameness and blandness and give neighborhoods a stronger sense of belonging somewhere and a better sense of identity which creates loyalty and a stronger , more productive working force . We normally identify with cities or better we only remember places , that have their own icons , that have created their own landmarks they are known for . We remember Los Angeles by the Hollywood sign , Paris by the tour Eiffel and San Francisco by the Golden Gate Bridge . Cities create dreams , we all want to be part of . All of these monuments were created by very creative people who captured the spirit and atmosphere of their home towns . Without ART , without public ART , we would loose our human identities .

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ART has a big influence on how business' run , how commerce is established, basically how much business will grow. Happy people buy , happy workers produce , keep the surroundings inspiring, colorful and happy , everyone is going to be better off . It reflects a better life and a better state of mind . ART sets important milestones and makes valuable contributions when used by planners, engineers, designers , officials and community stakeholders who are involved in planning our future . It sets 2

the tone of how unique aesthetics and social beauty will develop . Many people flourish and rise through ART and their lovers , seeing the potential to be social and civic leaders, using ART for alternative perspectives that can challenge assumptions and community beliefs and values .

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ART in our communities that is accessible allows people to experience it every day . They don't have to go to museums or galleries , they don't have to collect ART in their homes , they just pass it by on their way to work or while running around town doing errands . Public ART becomes a reflection of its city and time . It is seen as one of the most important markers in all human settlements . ART inspires and activates everyone's imagination . It encourages to think and pay attention , ART is almost a creative exercise for your brain , it stimulates learning by having an opinion , it creates a conversation that stimulates an reaction which can bring us to the next level of daily living . We start communicating and talking to each other , exchange emotions and trigger personal growth .

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It is important to understand the value of ART and the artists participation during projects and developments . It is a dierent approach in problem solving , creative input and aesthetic contributions can engage an approach that is dierent from of other people because their concerns are dierent.

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The value of ART can not be underestimated . Throughout time it shows that cities with an active and dynamic cultural scene are more attractive to individuals and business'. Public ART can play a key factor in creating a unique and vibrant destination . Public ART can create national icons and is able to transform public places we use daily into into larger then life imaginations. ART can be permanent or a temporary installation , if

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encouraged and developed , ART is creating a lifestyle that is fulfilling and balanced, Public ART is recognized as being important .

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In order to stay important , ART needs to be actively shaped for the future and continue to proof its value and relevance. The two thinking categories of 'What to do" and "How to do it' need to continue to be one of the main

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topics for administrators and curators while dealing with the challenge of reinventing and developing any angle of city living. There will always be a different opinion , a different approach , but that exactly can be the beauty in an area that requires so much collaboration . Artists normally have a more loose relationship when it comes to requirements and restrictions, concepts and regulations . Organizers and City officials most the time have to master the challenge of creating realistic opportunities for ART , while handling strict guidelines and bouracracies . A productive discussion always has to cover budgets, fees, timing and insurance, which during any development the understanding might never be possible or achievable .

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So to continue to strive , we need initiate more ART projects . We need to reach out more and see it like an interactive process involving artists, architects, designers, community leaders , elected officials , agencies and construction teams . It truly takes a village to get it all going . We need to continue to support artist's creative involvement through cooperation and create opportunities for artists to engage in issues we think are important.

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Public ART partnerships always seem to proof fruitful and beneficial as catalysts for revenues and urban growth and in order to keep it going we need to continue to educate and keep all communication channels open.

Public ART does something that neither a 4

public space without art nor even a museum with all its art can do: it can capture the eye and mind of someone passing through our public spaces.

It can make us pay attention to our civic environment; it can encourage us to question what’s around us.

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Much of our newly built environment lacks the resonance of history or reflection of civic ownership, which makes residents proud of where they live.

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ART can celebrate the qualities that make one place different from another.

The best of public ART can challenge, delight, educate and illuminate.

Most of all, public ART creates a sense of civic vitality in the cities, towns and communities we inhabit and visit.

Now celebrate ART , make a pledge and invite your friends to do the same . ART 4 empty store fronts is the perfect example , how to combine ART and commerce . It will bring it's community joy and will inspire to do good.

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ARTSHOP - los angeles Attn.: Ulrik Neumann 7304 Beverly Blvd #103 Los Angeles, Ca 90036

workshop / showroom (by appointment only)

1100 S.LaBrea Ave

Los Angeles, Ca 90019

www.ARTSHOP.la info@ARTSHOP.la

T: +1 310-994=4405

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