Are You Taking the Public Art Challenge?

By Mitch Landrieu, Mayor of the City of New Orleans and Chair of the Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports (TAPES) Standing Committee at the US Conference of Mayors (USCM)

With the deadline for the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge approaching on December 15, I am reflecting on how art transforms cities into vibrant cultural centers, revitalize neighborhoods and makes cities more appealing to visit, work and live.

In New Orleans, and in cities across the country, temporary public art is striking – it disrupts the urban backdrop, prompts discussion and encourages connection amongst viewers. Artists use public space as an open platform to showcase – and spur – creativity. For residents it breaks up the routine. For tourists, it provides a unique, memorable experience and another reason to visit a city.

The Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge invites cities, artists and the private sector to begin or continue to invest in their communities through art and culture. These important public-private partnerships connect the public, private and non-profit sectors, around their collective strengths and interests in inspiring communities.

As the Chair of the Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment and Sports (TAPES) Standing Committee for the United States Conference of Mayors, I encourage my colleagues to rise to the challenge and take advantage of this dynamic challenge. In this case, it’s not just about producing a great work of art, whether a performance or an exhibition, it’s also about revitalizing neighborhoods and building relationships.

I look forward to hearing more from local governments and artistic communities about collaborating and sustaining cultural economies across this great nation.

To apply or learn more, click here: http://publicartchallenge.bloomberg.org/.