A picture paints a thousand words…
THE AUTHENTIC STORYTELLING POWER OF PUBLIC ART
Bungalow Wings by Ed Krell
The Basics
Public art has the power to tell the authentic stories of a community, illustrate its heritage, and bring that story to life.
“Public art beautifies a community, creates pride, and improves quality
of life. It encourages tourism which
is an economic booster. Arts are reactivating downtowns. It shows
that locals care, and tourists see it.”
Susan Banks, Director
Dorchester County Economic Development
There’s an app for that
Visitors love engaging and interactive experiences — especially when they can easily use a mobile app on their own device to dig deeper. We used STQRY (formerly OnCell) to create an audio tour app that included the self guided “Chesapeake Mural Trail” tour as well as two walking tours.
All murals by Michael Rosato
https://stqry.com/contact-us/
“Big Bird” at J.M. Clayton Seafood Co., by Michael Rosato
A mural for the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Part of the Chesapeake Mural Trail audio tour. The scene of a great blue heron eating a soft crab is inspired by James Michener’s Chesapeake.
“History of Vienna”, by Michael Rosato
A mural for the Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Part of the Chesapeake Mural Trail audio tour.
One of five scenes from periods of Vienna’s–and the surrounding region’s–history.
Section �Header
Street mural in Cambridge MD
Artists Shelton Hawkins and Miriam Moran
Dorchester Women’s Mural…
heritage past and present
Heritage arts tell a story, and create a destination that draws visitors in to experience that story
Artist Bridget Cimino
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Arts drive tourism and revenue to local businesses
The Beacon of Hope by Wesley Wofford
Miriam Moran
Five Reasons Why Public Art Matters�Art in public spaces plays a distinguishing role in our country’s history and culture. It reflects and reveals our society, enhances meaning in our civic spaces, and adds uniqueness to our communities. Public art provides an intersection between past, present, and future. Public art matters because our communities gain cultural, social, and economic value through public art.�
Economic Growth and Sustainability. By engaging in public art as a tool for growth and sustainability, communities can thrive economically. Seventy percent of Americans believe that the “arts improve the image and identity” of their community.
Attachment and Cultural Identity. Public art directly influences how people see and connect with a place, providing access to aesthetics that support its identity and making residents feel appreciated and valued. Aesthetics is one of the top three characteristics why residents attach themselves to a community.
Artists as Contributors. Providing a public art ecosystem supports artists and other creatives by validating them as important contributors to the community. Artists are highly entrepreneurial. They are 3.5 times more likely than the total U.S. work force to be self-employed.
Social Cohesion and Cultural Understanding. Public art provides a visual mechanism for understanding other cultures and perspectives, reinforcing social connectivity with others. Seventy-three percent of Americans agree that the arts “helps me understand other cultures better.”
Public Health and Belonging. Public art addresses public health and personal illness by reducing stress, providing a sense of belonging, and addressing stigmas towards those with mental health issues. Public art is noted as slowing pedestrians down to enjoy their space and providing a positive impact on mood.
-American Citizens for the Arts
Resources to help you
Connect with public art funding from the Maryland State Arts Council
https://www.msac.org/programs/public-art
Find public artists for projects in your community
https://www.msac.org/directory
Find data to support the impact of the arts on heritage tourism and travel
https://www.americansforthearts.org
RUN WITH IT
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Phasellus auctor efficitur dui et facilisis. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas. Etiam molestie in quam ac viverra. Cras consequat gravida aliquam. Maecenas cursus eleifend risus, in vulputate velit imperdiet non. Aenean tincidunt euismod ultricies. Fusce tempor dui ipsum, nec ultricies ante eleifend vel curabitur.
Mural by Miriam Moran
Create an audio tour app for your new destination!
STQRY (formerly OnCell) provides world class digital solutions for destinations with stories to share.
https://stqry.com/contact-us/
The Maryland State Arts Council’s Public Art Across Maryland Program promotes�and supports the inclusion of art in the everyday experiences of Marylanders.��What is Public Art? �It can be work of any kind in any media, indoors or outdoors, temporary or permanent, free and accessible, that engages the community who will experience the work. Through direct commissions, grants, technical assistance, and professional development MSAC supports those planning, making, and caring for art in public spaces across the state.��In Fiscal Year 2023 only, the New Artworks grants increase to awards of up to $50,000. Artists and organizations, if you’ve been thinking about creating public art in your community, apply!
Please come see us in Dorchester
Thank You!
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
ADD NAME
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
ADD NAME
Take My Hand by Michael Rosato
Barb Seese
Executive Director
Dorchester Center for the Arts
www.dorchesterarts.org
The Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area