Public art is art which has as its goal a desire to engage with its audiences and to create spaces … within which people can identify themselves, perhaps by creating a renewed reflection on community, on the uses of public spaces or on our behaviour within them ….. policy studies institute summary of the contribution that public art can make to a number of contemporary urban issues; contributing to local distinctiveness; attracting investment; boosting cultural tourism; enhancing land values; creating employment; increasing use of urban spaces and reduced vandalism. ’ (Sharp, Pollock, Paddison, 2005, p. 1003-4)
Public art has become a key factor in rebranding the cities image, where culture is heralded as a force in changing a cities perception. Flagship arts projects play a key role in the re-aestheticism of the city and the builds on the need for culture to be employed as a part of the process for revival. The city’s need for high culture and a marketable brand is being provided by the artist.
If we take the position the goal of public art is to provide place making, then the current production of flagship art projects are about advertising, publicity and marketing and devalues the role of the public art.