Help Desk 4 Creatives: Art for the Public
By Merritt Minnemeyer
arttimesjournal April 21, 2018
In my line of work, I often hear artists discuss the pitfalls and anxieties of sharing their creations in a public forum. Particularly in regards to many of our community engagement initiatives, it is sometimes difficult for visual artists in particular, who are accustomed to working alone, to employ the part of the brain that collaborates in unfamiliar settings and unknown faces.
The opportunities in public art are many, however. Specifically, the majority of grants that we administer in my office (which are similar to those distributed throughout NYS and nationally) are based on a meaningful connection with community. Perhaps it is a mural project meant to reflect and inspire an urban downtown, or a sculpture garden that enlivens bucolic rolling hills. Or maybe it is a program meant to teach and support an underserved population. The possibilities run the gamut of discipline, audience, and venue. Imagine what you could create with all of that new inspiration!
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As artists, we have the chance to be ambassadors for our craft to the public. It a few brush strokes or well-tuned cords, we can turn an empty space into an activated forum for joy. It takes time and initiative to hone social skills in a way that serves the public and art itself, to speak nothing of you as the artist. Not everyone is meant to be an advocate in this way. For those who are, though, a whole universe of powerful interaction and relationship may be awaiting. If the prospect of going it alone is daunting, reach out to your local arts council or state arts agency for support (in New York, it’s NYSCA). There are often grants and programs available to help you get started, or take your idea to the next level.
Our gift as artists is that we offer unique perspectives – atypical lenses through which we view the world. Our culture needs these perspectives, whether they know it or not. If you are called to share yours, know that your eye/your voice/your pen is an essential piece of how our society understands itself, how we celebrate, and how we galvanize for positive change. You have much to offer. How you chose to do that is up to you. Whatever you decide, know that there are resources out there for you. The world is waiting!
For examples and information about public art, check out these links:
https://www.americansforthearts.org/by-topic/public-art
http://citylore.org/urban-culture/resources/street-performers/
http://www.associationforpublicart.org/
https://www.publicartarchive.org/
Merritt holds a BFA in Acting, an MPS in Humanistic/Multicultural Education, and is a life-long practitioner and educator in a plethora of artistic media. She is pleased as punch to be serving the arts community in her current role as facilitator of funds after nearly 20 years as a funds-seeker. She lives in Ulster County with her three vibrant sons, and two goofy pound pups, newly adopted kitty, and one remarkably darling husband.
Have a question, comment, or a suggestion for a topic? Merritt would love to hear from you! Please contact her at grants@artsmidhudson.org