About GCAC
Public Art
What is public art?
Public art uses art and artistry to create or define a sense of place by incorporating original works of art by visual artists into public spaces. It involves the public from artist selection to dedication and is often integrated into the work of other design professionals, such as architects or landscape architects.
Why is public art important?
It enhances the city's quality of life by:
- Making the places where we live, work and play more welcoming and beautiful.
- Creating a deeper interaction between the community and its environment.
- Adding dimension to civic spaces.
- Increasing the community's assets by creating images that help define a space.
- Allowing the community to express its identity and values.
- Demonstrating pride in corporate citizenship.
- Affirming the educational environment.
- Enhancing roadsides, pedestrian corridors and community gateways.
- Beautifying the transportation systems.
- Helping green space thrive.
One of the innovative new partnerships highlighting Columbus' public art is the Columbus Art Walks project organized by the Columbus Health Department and supported by GCAC. Art Walks currently features three maps--Discovery District, Arena District and the Ohio Statehouse. Later this month they will launch three new neighborhoods--German Village, Short North and University District! Arts Walks is a project of the Columbus Health Department with support from GCAC and other public and private organizations. Visit the Art Walks Web site for more information and printable maps
