From Texas Downtown: Public art adds enormous value to the cultural, aesthetic and economic vitality of a downtown. It is now a well-accepted principle of urban design that public art contributes to a community’s identity, fosters community pride and a sense of belonging, and enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors.

Here are 10 Great Reasons to Support Public Art:

1. It’s public! Everyone has access to public art. It’s directly in the public sphere and not confined to galleries or museums.

2. It enriches our physical environments, bringing streetscapes, plazas, downtown buildings and schools to life.

3. It’s a great tool for civic engagement and building social capital.

4. It provides professional opportunities for local artists and cultivates an environment in which the creative class thrives.

5. It boosts local economies. Businesses supply materials and labor; restaurants, hotels and transportation companies benefit from a site that attracts visitors.

6. It’s an investment in placemaking—measured by livability and quality of life—that also engenders community pride.

7. It connects citizens to their neighbors and their shared history through documentation and celebration, and makes cultural heritage a tangible community asset.

8. It enlivens places where people work, which can improve employee morale, productivity and respect.

9. It creates supportive learning environments. It opens eyes—and minds! It attracts students to environments conducive to both learning and fun.

10. It raises public awareness about important community issues, such as environmental stewardship.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/TexasDowntown/posts/876466974516101