An economic case for public art

The argument is all-too familiar to Ann Arbor residents – public art is nice but we can't afford it. The Atlantic Cities rebutts this claim with specific examples of how public art has contributed to a community's bottom line. Excerpt: "The intangible benefits of public art—aesthetic beauty, cultural interpretation, education, inspiration, and general improvement of the urban environment—are well-known. But because these are considered "soft" benefits, they are sometimes dismissed as a low priority, especially during challenging economic times. However, experiences in Los Angeles show that public art can be a source of publicity and cash income, as well as beauty." Read the rest here.