Public art or art in public space: a comparative study of public art and public engagement in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and what this means for public art policy

Abstract

Over the past few years there has been an increase in both the number and variety of works of public art in Johannesburg, as well as a movement towards seeing public art as a tool for social cohesion, urban regeneration and community engagement. All of these potential outcomes influence policies, strategies and production processes around public art, with varying results. This research report considers the relationship between public art and public engagement and sets up a scale of engagement that aims to measure the success of public artworks according to their potential to achieve the above outcomes. By asking the key survey question “What do you think of this work?” my research surveyed the users of the spaces surrounding sites of public artworks and uncovered that the public enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to engage with the artworks on different levels, some intended and some unforeseen. The findings in this report have relevance for future monitoring and evaluation of public art projects, as well as subsequent public policy planning in the field of public art