The Failures of Public Art and Participation

This collection of essays explores failure in public art and social practice through a multi-disciplinary approach, featuring perspectives from practicing artists, curators, activists, and educators. It offers a critical voice to the commissioning of public and participatory arts, with case studies from the UK, US, China, Cuba, and Denmark.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive collection of original essays employs a multi-disciplinary approach to delve into the intricate theme of failure in the realm of public art and social practice. The anthology brings together a diverse group of practicing artists, curators, activists, art writers, administrators, planners, and educators from across the globe, each offering unique perspectives on the diverse aspects of failure in commissioning, planning, producing, evaluating, and engaging communities within the ever-evolving field of art in the public realm. As such, this book serves as a valuable survey of currently unexplored and interconnected thought, providing a much-needed critical voice to the commissioning of public and participatory arts.

The volume includes case studies from the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Cuba, and Denmark, as well as discussions of digital public art collections. The Failures of Public Art and Participation will captivate students and scholars of visual arts, design, and architecture who are interested in understanding how art in the public realm intersects with social and political contexts.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367751814