Bloomberg Associates’ Post

🌟 The Power of Public Light Art: Transforming Urban Spaces and Enhancing Community Well-being 🌟 In the heart of our bustling cities, public art plays a vital role in enhancing urban aesthetics and fostering a sense of community. One powerful example is the transformative impact of public light art. These installations not only beautify neglected areas but also offer profound mental health benefits for the community. 🎨 Enhancing Urban Environments: Public light art brings a unique charm to cityscapes, turning mundane spaces into visual masterpieces. Think of New York City’s High Line, where interactive light sculptures add vibrancy to the urban jungle, making evening strolls a mesmerizing experience. In Hobart, the Dark Mofo festival illuminates the city with striking light installations, transforming the wintery streets into a vibrant cultural hotspot and drawing visitors from around the world. 🏙️ Revitalizing Neglected Areas: Neglected urban areas often suffer from a lack of community engagement. Public light art can change that. Consider the transformation of Lyon's once-dingy alleyways into captivating "Tunnel of Light" pathways. This not only improved safety and cleanliness but also drew people back into these spaces, fostering a renewed sense of pride and ownership among residents. Similarly, the “Lumiere” festival in Durham, UK, illuminates neglected parts of the city, breathing new life into forgotten spaces and encouraging community involvement. 💡 Positive Community Mental Health Support: Beyond aesthetics, public light art has a profound impact on mental health. Research has shown that exposure to art can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being. For example, the "Field of Light" installation in London provides a serene and calming environment, encouraging mindfulness and reflection. In Japan, the “TeamLab Borderless” digital art museum in Tokyo immerses visitors in mesmerizing light art, creating a sanctuary of tranquility and wonder amidst the urban rush. Incorporating public light art into urban planning is more than just an investment in beauty; it’s an investment in the mental health and cohesion of our communities. As we continue to innovate and improve our cities, let’s champion the role of art in creating healthier, happier urban environments. #PublicArt #UrbanImprovement #CommunityWellbeing #MentalHealth #CityLife #LightArt #themandalsocial #darkmofo #teamlab #lumierdurham #Fieldoflighr

Day 1 / City Canvas Symposium - Public Art, Urban Play and Creative Sports: An interesting conversation today about the 'urban exclusion problem' in our cities. Development and planning have failed to capture and cater to the needs of our youth and young adults, often resulting in them being marginalised and relegated to outlying skate parks for social interaction. Our public spaces are developed for 'adultification', with bland features that de-risk public assets and make them irrelevant to young people. If we flip our thinking, public spaces and assets can serve multiple purposes to benefit our whole society. A public artwork can increase liveability and cultural identity, but if it's also a skatable asset, then instantly, it becomes more relevant to broader part of our community. By integrating active infrastructure into the fabric of our cities, we can foster true inclusivity and create more connected communities. Thanks for the insights Sanné Mestrom Felicity Fenner Indigo Willing Nadia Odlum and thank you to Aunty Ding for the very special Welcome to Country #artplayrisk #publicart #publicdomain #urbanplanning #liveability #inclusivity #industrialdesign

Public art has become a powerful tool for transforming urban spaces and driving commercial real estate value. By integrating murals, sculptures, and other artistic installations, developers are not only creating visually appealing spaces but also boosting foot traffic and attracting businesses. Key statistics highlight the impact: - A University of Cincinnati study found areas with murals saw 30% higher weekend foot traffic, and with nearby restaurants and cafes, it surged to five times the city average. - In Miami's Wynwood neighborhood, the open-air gallery Wynwood Walls, launched by developers in 2009, now attracts three million visitors annually. As a result, the average office lease in Wynwood reached $80 per square foot in late 2023, a staggering 83% higher than the Miami-Dade County average. By investing in public art, developers enhance the cultural value and economic vitality of neighborhoods. These installations not only attract visitors but also drive business growth and increase property values, making them a win-win for communities and investors alike. Data sources (and great reads): 1. https://lnkd.in/gfmZT_ds 2. https://lnkd.in/gRQcSjmx 3. https://lnkd.in/g8RytNqm

At a time when urban space is under pressure, not least due to the challenges of climate change, we believe it is essential to create a subtle but powerful dialogue between nature and art that connects people, culture and the environment in an innovative and inspiring way. Nature, with its raw beauty and eternal cycles, has long been seen as the antithesis of the city. Fortunately, this view is changing, also thanks to artists like Jean-Michel Crapanzano. a*k architektur*kultur supports and accompanies his ambitious art project, the "Jardins d'Éden" (Gardens of Eden). Art in its various forms has always been a reflection of society and its aspirations. It plays several key roles in the urban environment: - through its innovative power and aesthetic form; - through its cultural expression, which offers residents ways to reflect and connect with their history, culture and future; - through their commitment to the community, as art can serve as a means to create dialogue, strengthen social bonds and, more generally, to bring people together. Participatory art projects promote civic engagement and inclusion, helping to protect our fragile democracies today. The "Jardins d'Éden" fulfill these key roles. They bring elements of positive surprise to urban landscapes, stimulate the imagination and offer perspectives out of the everyday. They transform ordinary places into extraordinary ones and redefine our experiences with and in our living spaces. As a complex, transdisciplinary art project - far removed from the decorative element - they remind us of our deep connection with the natural world and our ability to imagine, colour and shape our living environment. In this dialogue between nature and art, we find a balance that enriches our lives and communities and paves the way for more harmonious and sustainable cities. a*k architektur*kultur is proud to be part of this emerging adventure! #art #culture #community #commonwealth #participation #urban #transformation

Are you looking to learn more about how to do better ethically in concerns to public art and how equitable spaces and placemaking intertwine? Street art is everywhere and more and more we're drifting from what's good to what's instagrammable. Are your briefs creating barriers to entry for the people already living in your neighbourhoods? The thing with accessible formats such as murals is that research about what's good and just is falling by the wayside. As Rocking Chair Riot I can research, advise or work on public art plans, or I can work with you to teach you how to do better. #streetart #placemaking #publicart https://lnkd.in/eUAv6Hck

The evolution of graffiti from countercultural rebellion to mainstream acceptance is reshaping urban landscapes worldwide. Once scrubbed off by landlords, graffiti now commands attention and investment. From Berlin to London to Athens, developers, companies, and brands are tapping into the cultural cachet of street art to attract young professionals and revitalize neighborhoods. However, as these once-overlooked areas become trendy hubs, rising rents pose a dilemma for artists, fans, and local officials alike. What happens when the authenticity of street art becomes commodified? Contemporary graffiti, rooted in anti-establishment expression, has transformed into a global movement, propelled by social media and celebrated artists like Banksy. Neighborhoods like Shoreditch in London have undergone remarkable transformations, once deemed run-down industrial zones, now vibrant creative enclaves. While the economic benefits are evident, concerns linger about gentrification and community displacement. And as these once-edgy neighborhoods become mainstream, there's a risk of sanitizing the very essence that made them unique.

An excellent example of how to visualize boredom not only in architecture, but in general, how it takes over the everyday life of mankind. It is worth thinking deeper in all aspects.

The City of Danville in partnership with the Danville Area Visitors Bureau, Downtown Danville, Inc.., Vermilion Advantage, and the Danville Public Library Foundation is excited to announce a new program for Downtown Danville property owners called “Arts in Alleys.” This matching grant program will be funded through partner organizations, along with grant funding and private donations. The vision for the program is to fill our Downtown alleys with art that inspires, improves the aesthetic of the area, and makes our alleys safer for pedestrians through partnership with property owners. We believe that this collaborative program will improve the health and wellbeing of all who live, play, and work in Danville, as art is vital to a meaningful life. Through the Arts in Alleys Program for Downtown Danville, IL, any Downtown Danville property owner with alley-facing property can participate in the program and request funding from the Arts in Alleys Program collaborative committee up to $10,000.00 per project. Eligible projects include wall murals, art installations, sculptures, light displays and art projections, and lighting that enhances the art installation. Property owners participating in the Arts in Alleys Program have set guidelines to participate: -Property must be alley-facing and within the Downtown Danville district. -Property owner must pay 50% of the total cost of the project. -Maximum contribution of $10,000 per project from the AIAP. -Artists must utilize materials suitable for exposure to the elements. -Final design/art concept must be approved by the AIAP Committee before the project begins. -Diversity must be reflected in art projects and/or selection of artists. -AIAP portion (50%) of the bill to be paid upon completion of the project. -Art installation must fit the theme, “Possibilities in Danville.” Property owners can apply until January 2025. Projects will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be vetted by the Arts in Alleys Program Committee, which consists of representatives from each of the partner organizations. Currently, the program has approximately $30,000.00 of earmarked funds, with an anticipated influx of funding from grant sources throughout 2024 and 2025. The program is anticipated to run until January of 2026, or until program funding is exhausted. Interested parties can find the application here: https://lnkd.in/g963pygi For more information about the Arts in Alleys Program, please reach out to an Arts in Alleys Committee Member: Rheanna Ollis: City of Danville, Community Relations Administrator, rollis@cityofdanville.org Annie Monyok: Downtown Danville Inc., Executive Director, annie@monyokleadership.com

Are you aware of the meaning of “Third Places”? Do you work in a field were the loneliness epidemic is noticeable and/or is discussed? If so, are there solutions in place? Have you considered how inviting community environments can boost economic prosperity? Celebrating and sharing this quick read: #artarticle #communitythroughcreativity #placemaking #tuesdaythoughts #solutions #urbanplacemaking