Coloring In the Gaps: The True Value of Public Art for Communities

Brown boxes for as far as the eye could see. 

It was 2022 and my husband and I found ourselves traveling across vast expanses of the American Southwest, somewhat spontaneously for a mural that popped up last minute. We were already halfway across the country for a different project when we got the call, so we decided to see a bit of the country and just keep going. Driving outside of a metropolitan area, the landscape became bleak. 

The buildings were all the same shade of brown and lined up like cardboard boxes. The houses were all an identical shade of sand, and the intense dry climate left no opportunity for greenery or even a tree to grow. It felt stark and lifeless, and it made me think about what a world without art and color would look and feel like—how depressing it would be to live in a place devoid of creativity.

We have worked in public art since about 2018, and it is not uncommon to see our projects, or projects that our friends are working on, being shared online. Occasionally there will be a disgruntled comment on a post questioning why funds are being spent on the arts when cities face seemingly more pressing issues. People often fail to see public art as a portion of an overall plan for community improvement, and instead feel that it is frivolous spending when there are potholes on 42nd Street. 

The research is in, public art provides value for communities, and while the effects are not as concrete as street repairs, they exist all the same. With this in mind, I have put together this article, highlighting some of the benefits that public art provides for communities, in hopes to convince you, your neighbors, and your city decision makers, that investing in public art is investing in your community. 

Driving Economic Growth

The economic benefits of public art extend far beyond aesthetics. Murals and installations attract visitors, drawing foot traffic to local businesses and boosting sales. One example from the Americans for the Arts publication, Why Public Art Matters, gives the following example of an arts program in Wisconsin:

“The Farm/ArtDTour in Suak County, Wisconsin generated tourism in the area with an estimated 4,200 visitors– over 65% of whom traveled over 50 miles to see the installations which helped to increase the revenue of many local businesses; some of whom saw revenue increase as much as 300%” (Americans for the Arts, 2018)

This example is not unique, with testimonials of this type of success existing in numerous articles and journals from around the nation (see my list at the end of this article for some of my favorite resources). Public art attracts visitors, and this increased foot traffic is good for your local hotels, shops, and restaurants. The ripple effect of these economic activities underscores the value of investing in public art as a tool for urban development. Your city does not have to be large for this effect to be seen. Small towns across America are using murals and other public art to put themselves on the map and entice visitors to stop in. 

When cities consider funding public art, they often justify these projects by highlighting their long-term economic benefits. Public art not only enhances property values and attracts tourism but also revitalizes commercial areas and provides jobs for artists and related professionals. This investment in the creative economy pays dividends in increased economic activity and community development.

Local business owners already recognize the importance of incorporating art onto their walls. Paying for artwork to be installed in and around their businesses is a common way for businesses to turn their locations into attractions. Art Journal published an article in 2024 stating that, 

“Businesses with eye-catching murals often report increased foot traffic and customer engagement, and return visits. In retail environments, murals can influence customer behavior, guiding shoppers through the space or even subtly influencing purchasing decisions.” (ATP Journal, 2024)

If commissioned murals provide economic value to businesses, what would a work of art for non commercial purposes do for the community? 

Building Community Identity

Public art can serve as a visual narrative of a community’s history, values, and aspirations. By reflecting the local culture, it fosters a sense of pride and belonging among residents. Public art projects often involve community input, making them deeply personal and reflective of the people who live there.This shared cultural identity strengthens social bonds and encourages civic engagement.

When public art reflects a community’s identity, it fosters pride and strengthens the connection residents feel to their surroundings. This sense of ownership often leads people to care more deeply about their neighborhood and invest in keeping it clean, safe, and welcoming. Studies show that public art enhances civic engagement by encouraging collective participation—from planning and creation to appreciation and maintenance—while reinforcing neighborhood culture and history (National Civic League, n.d.). Residents who see their values and heritage represented in public spaces are more likely to take pride in where they live, which can deter vandalism and support beautification efforts (Oladipo, 2024).

Enhancing Health and Safety

Public art also plays a crucial role in promoting community health and safety. Aesthetically pleasing environments contribute to mental well-being, reducing stress and inspiring creativity. The Asphalt Art Safety Study, by Bloomberg.org, reveals that art installations on roads and intersections can improve traffic safety by reducing crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists by up to 50%. These creative interventions make streets safer while adding vibrancy to urban spaces. (Bloomberg Cities, 2022)

Furthermore, the psychological impact of art on community mental health is profound. Artwork can  transform drab environments (like the desert town mentioned at the opening of this article) into uplifting spaces, fostering positivity and reducing feelings of isolation. The effects that art (both in participation and in just being surrounded by it) have on health have long been studied, and I’d like to give you handful of links to explore the discussion below:

Mental Health & Public Art

1. Public Art Education Enhances Mental Health Literacy Study on college students and emotional regulation through art education 🔗 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11381420/

2. Art Installations Reduce Anxiety and Stress Study on emotional responses to street art in urban environments (ScienceDirect) 🔗 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666558124000332

3. The Health Impact of Public Murals – Harvard Public Health Murals addressing mental health, empathy, and community trust 🔗 https://harvardpublichealth.org/mental-health/the-health-impact-of-public-murals/

4. Public Art as Public Health – Public Health Post Outlines stress reduction, community cohesion, and health behaviors 🔗 https://www.publichealthpost.org/health-equity/public-art-as-public-health/

To Wrap Up

Public art is more than just decoration—it’s a reminder that people live here, that someone cared enough to make a place feel human. I still think about that stretch of identical brown buildings we passed in 2022, and how lifeless it felt without a single pop of color or sign of creativity. It made me realize how much art contributes to the spirit of a place. Murals and public installations may not fix potholes, but they do something just as important: they help people feel proud of where they live. They invite joy, spark connection, and remind us that beauty belongs in public life. As cities and towns grow, public art remains one of the most accessible, impactful ways we can invest in our communities—not as an afterthought, but as a meaningful part of building places where people want to stay.

Want more insights on public art, murals, and creative community work? Sign up for my newsletter or follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for resources, behind-the-scenes looks, and upcoming opportunities.

References

Americans for the Arts. (2018). Why public art matters. Americans for the Arts. https://www.americansforthearts.org/

Americans for the Arts. (2023, October 12). Groundbreaking Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 study reveals impact of the arts on communities across the nation. Americans for the Arts. https://www.americansforthearts.org/news-room/americans-for-the-arts-news/groundbreaking-arts-economic-prosperity-6-study-reveals-impact-of-the-arts-on-communities-across

ATP Journal. (n.d.). Commission art for corporate marketing: Using murals to attract customers. ATP Journal. https://journal.atp.art/commission-art-murals/

Bloomberg Cities. (2022, January 19). 5 ways turning city streets into art fuels innovation. Bloomberg Philanthropies. https://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/news/5-ways-turning-city-streets-art-fuels-innovation

National Civic League. (n.d.). Public art and the art of public participation. https://www.nationalcivicleague.org/ncr-article/public-art-and-the-art-of-public-participation/

Oladipo, I. (2024). Role of public art in community development [Research paper]. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/383524026_Role_of_Public_Art_in_Community_Development

Public Art & Economic Impact Resources

1. Why Public Art Matters – Americans for the Arts (2018) A foundational report detailing how public art supports economic growth, identity, cohesion, and health. 🔗 https://www.americansforthearts.org/

2. Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) Study – Americans for the Arts (2023) A nationwide study showing the arts generate $151.7 billion in economic activity and support 2.6 million jobs in the U.S. 🔗 https://www.americansforthearts.org/news-room/americans-for-the-arts-news/groundbreaking-arts-economic-prosperity-6-study-reveals-impact-of-the-arts-on-communities-across

3. Arts & Economic Prosperity 6: St. Petersburg Report – St. Petersburg Arts Alliance Local data indicating St. Petersburg's nonprofit arts industry generated over $132 million in economic activity in 2022. 🔗 https://stpeteartsalliance.org/aep6

4. Economic Impact of Murals: SHINE St. Petersburg Mural Festival A case study showing $2.1 million in economic activity tied to mural-based tourism and events. 🔗 https://stpeteartsalliance.org/images/SHINE/SHINE2023_Packet_1Year_compressed.pdf

5. How Murals Can Drive Economic Development – BrandXR An overview of how murals attract foot traffic, support local businesses, and increase engagement. 🔗 https://www.brandxr.io/how-murals-can-drive-economic-development

6. Commission Art for Corporate Marketing: Using Murals to Attract Customers – ATP Journal An exploration of how businesses use murals to attract customers and enhance spaces. 🔗 https://journal.atp.art/commission-art-murals/

7. The Economic Impact of the Arts in Pinellas County – Creative Pinellas A report highlighting that the arts sector generated $294.7 million in economic activity during 2022 in Pinellas County. 🔗 https://creativepinellas.org/magazine/the-economic-impact-of-the-arts/