Why Do We Need Public Art?

Recent news articles and columns in the Orlando Sentinel have criticized the construction of an entrance feature on the 408 bridge over Lake Underhill. The intent of the faux suspension bridge towers is to create a gateway into downtown Orlando, much like the overpass feature on I-4 at Conway Road. Critics have questioned the $1.5 million cost of the Lake Underhill feature, especially during these current tough economic times.

The debate about the bridge towers is reminiscent of other controversies around the use of tax dollars to fund public art. In fact, one of the newspaper columns mentioned the political fallout over the purchase of a frog statue for Barnett Park in Orange County. Public art, it seems, is an easy target. The recent news coverage provides an opportunity to ask the question: Why do we need public art?

Whether in the form of an architectural element on a road, a statue in a park or even a mural on a building, public art helps add beauty to Central Florida. As our region becomes more and more developed, it is important to replace the loss of natural beauty with the inclusion of man-made beauty on buildings, roads and other structures. We are the City Beautiful, a distinction of which we should be proud.

Public art complements Central Florida’s natural beauty, which sets us apart from other cities. The “Orlando brand” is known worldwide and public art helps reinforce our reputation as a magical place to visit. Yet while tourists are important, residents of Central Florida are the main beneficiaries of public art. Public art, whether in the form of a bridge element or a frog statue, belongs to the people. Public art creates community ownership and a sense of place. It creates the feeling that “this place is my home.”

There also are economic development reasons to support public art. In a region known for its imagination and creativity, public art inspires people to dream. As communities across the nation compete for hi-tech industry, public art helps make Central Florida more appealing to creative class workers. The investments made to enhance our sense of place, our community pride and our beautiful surroundings will make our region a more desirable location for targeted companies – and the jobs they create.

Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty and the leaders at the Expressway Authority should be commended for investing a small portion of the overall construction costs of the 408 widening toward improving the aesthetics of one of our region’s major roadways. Long after the naysayers have moved on to the next complaint, Central Florida will enjoy the benefits of the Lake Underhill bridge features.

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Originally published in the Orlando Sentinel, 09/20/09