Public spaces can be used as places to exhibit new creative work. Not only does this give the opportunity for individual creators to have their work used and appreciated, it clearly demonstrates that publicised initiatives are being actioned.
This also provides an opportunity to improve the local environment for the public, thereby enhancing the quality of life of the local population.
Most importantly, the publication of work builds a critical forum that serves to give the creator and the public confidence and builds an informed, inclusive society.
Any public body is a major consumer of design. Opportunities for the use of exciting design are everywhere, from street level signage and maps to the virtual world of interactive tourist information services. All thriving modern cities of the future will engage with modern technology to inform and communicate with its citizens and visitors. A city claiming to be at the leading edge of the creative economy must demonstrate that leadership at street level; it must lead by example, using avant-garde design that galvanises debate, not ‘safe’ design that is twenty or thirty years old. It must create environments that stimulate thought and ask challenging questions rather than offering ‘safe’ answers.
location specific comments; Sapporo, Melbourne
Local government can also encourage and reward local businesses that take part in displaying and supporting creative work. In this way an entire city could eventually become a curated art space.
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