Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement

Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement is a ground-breaking research initiative aimed at exploring innovative approaches to preserving public art in Canada.

Supported by STEPS Public Art, Canada Council for the Arts, Scotiabank, Ontario Arts Council, and the Government of Ontario, Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement focuses on the role of communities in the archiving process of public art, which often faces unique challenges due to its ephemeral and site-specific nature. By engaging with artists, city managers, community members, and public art professionals, this initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and sustainable model for archiving public artworks that reflect the cultural identity of Canadian communities.

Public art is not only a visual enhancement of public spaces but also a reflection of collective memory, community values, and cultural heritage. However, because of its often temporary nature, many public artworks are at risk of being forgotten. This project addresses the need for a comprehensive and participatory approach to ensure the preservation of these cultural treasures.

Project Objectives

The primary goals of the Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement project include:

• To explore current archiving methods: Investigate the tools, strategies, and technologies currently being used to document and archive public art, with a particular focus on how these can be adapted for both permanent and ephemeral works.
• To promote community engagement in the archival process: Understand and enhance the role that communities play in preserving the cultural and emotional significance of public artworks. Engaging local communities in the archiving process ensures that the stories, experiences, and values tied to public art are not lost.
• To develop a participatory archiving model: Create a replicable framework that integrates community involvement, digital tools, and institutional support to preserve public art more effectively. This model will serve as a guide for future projects and cities across Canada.
• To raise awareness of the importance of public art preservation: Promote the importance of preserving public art as a vital part of Canada’s cultural heritage and collective memory, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience and learn from these works.

Photo Credits: Selina McCallum and Anushay Sheikh

Outcomes

By the conclusion of the Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement project, the following key outcomes will be achieved:

• A comprehensive report: A detailed report summarizing the findings from interviews, community surveys, and research will be published, offering valuable insights into public art archiving practices. This report will provide recommendations for improving public art preservation and offer strategies for community-centered approaches.
• A participatory archiving model: Based on the feedback and data gathered throughout the project, a flexible and sustainable model will be developed to guide cities, institutions, and communities in preserving public art. This model will serve as a blueprint for integrating community engagement into the archiving process.
• Increased public awareness and involvement: Through direct engagement activities such as interviews, surveys, and workshops, this project will enhance public awareness about the significance of preserving public art. It will empower communities to actively contribute to the archiving and preservation efforts.
• A database of best practices: The project will create a resource hub featuring best practices, case studies, and tools for archiving public art, accessible to cultural institutions, municipalities, and community groups.

Community Engagement: Share Your Voice!

As part of our effort to include diverse voices in the archiving process, we are inviting community members to participate in an online survey about their experiences and interactions with public art. Your input will be invaluable in shaping the Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement project and how public art is preserved and archived for future generations. The survey is available until December 20, 2024.

Contact

We invite you to connect with the STEPS Cultural Planning Team for more information about the Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement project. Whether you are interested in contributing to the project, seeking insights into the archiving process, or simply want to learn more about the importance of public art preservation, our team is available to provide further details.

Contact Sam Mitjavile (Cultural Planning Manager) at sam@stepspublicart.org to learn how you can get involved in shaping the future of public art preservation in Canada.

Funders and Contributors

Archiving Public Art Through Community Engagement has been made possible through the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Scotiabank, Ontario Arts Council, and the Government of Ontario, with contributions from public art professionals, municipal managers, community stakeholders, and artists across Canada. We are grateful for the time, insights, and expertise of our interviewees and participants, who play an essential role in shaping this project’s success.

Looking for more public art research and resources?

Besides public art installations and community-engaged projects, STEPS also conducts research that contributes to innovative and sustainable approaches to building Canada’s arts and cultural landscape. Our past research includes a toolkit for more accessible art in public spaces, measuring public art impact on main streets, and an action plan for creating equitable public spaces.