The Value and Impact of Public Art
Published on October 01, 2023
Public art is for everyone. It draws together our diverse community and expresses Dunedin’s uniqueness, culture and identity. Dunedin is creative, vibrant, and innovative. These features share in the care and feeding of the city’s existing artworks while the community engages to commission, purchase and acquire new works. The value of public art is measured in our quality of life, enrichment, and economic and aesthetic development.
In a 2018 report by Pinellas County Economic Development, “Arts and the Economy”, the art industry contributed more than $1.8 billion towards Pinellas County’s local economy. At the time of the study, there were over 16,000 workers employed in creative art industries at 1880 various locations. This accounted for 5.8% of all businesses in Pinellas County with above average earnings (wages) for art employees compared to the remainder of the economy. On a national level, the arts and culture sector is a $730 billion industry.
Communities across Tampa Bay attract residents and travelers who enjoy visiting, living, and spending time in communities vibrant with public art. Dunedin’s Public Art Master Plan and Ordinance was adopted by the City Commission in December 2018, formalizing a way forward with a distinct mission, guidelines, and process to maintain funding of public projects through development permitting fees. The Plan’s impact is felt with new and varied artworks appearing throughout the City. Every artwork has a monetary value of its own which can appreciate over time.
Since 2018, eight municipal projects have been completed and 13 soon-to-be completed and installed works will add to the city’s public art collection for a total number of 37 artworks. The art work can be located using the City’s Art Map or by viewing information on the Public Art Project Page.
The Public Art program in Dunedin creates a positive impact on our local economy by attracting residents and guests to our City, through support of artists by commission or purchase of unique art pieces, and recognition and appreciation of contributing artists to sustain and retain both established and emerging artists. All of the unique Dunedin artworks, both public and private, enhance living, working, and visiting Dunedin along with our lively downtown, waterfront views and access to recreation. Public art is indeed for everyone.
Contributing Author:
Elizabeth Brincklow, Elizabeth Brincklow Arts, LLC
City of Dunedin Arts Consultant