Whether or not you find the donated artwork from the Alberta University of the Arts aesthetically pleasing, the value of public art cannot be denied. Benefits from art include beauty, cultural interpretation, education, inspiration and general improvement of the urban environment. But a piece of public art can also foster a sense of community. Our neighbours in Calgary have shown us this with the Insta-famous Peace Bridge and the somewhat collective disdain of Travelling Light, the giant blue ring you can see while driving into the city on Deerfoot. The blue ring has even spawned a Twitter account with more than 11,000 followers. However, these “soft” benefits are often overlooked, especially in times of economic struggle. What cannot be ignored is the economic impact of public art. Calgary has stated it has seen “significant tangible benefits” from its public art, such as being named #17 of the 52 places to visit in 2014 by The New York Times. Tourist dollars make a big impact. Similarly, according to research complied by Project for Public Space, non-profit and commercial arts activity generates $17.7 billion annually for the Big Apple. The maintenance of public artwork also creates opportunity for jobs and the pieces can help turn a dreary area into a hot spot of local and tourist activity. While the art Airdrie has on display may not be your cup of tea, know it is an invaluable part of our cultural and economic well-being.
