When considering what shapes our country and more specifically our city I couldn’t look past public art. Public art, to me, seemingly encompasses everything about what makes the great city of Melbourne, Melbourne.

These kinds of public forums of art, are completely unique to that seen in a your typical gallery setting. Unlike most galleries they have the ability to be found anywhere, created by anyone and enjoyed by everyone.

As an art student, I pride myself in living in a city where culture is seemingly weaved into our everyday lives. You cannot walk anywhere in our city without being exposed in some shape or form to free creative expression. I believe that creativity is something that should be fluid and serve to highlight our individuality and because of this our city should reflect that.

Public art creates new levels of interpretation and expression in communal settings. We live and breathe a society that bases everything on cultural importance and as such public art breaks the role of the bland and creates a sense of place.

A society absent of public and community based projects would be one without human identity.

As the viewers, we are stimulated into considering the social sphere and turn our thoughts towards art in society. Public art motivates me to explore new areas and learn new things.

I enjoy the way a piece, whether that be a permanent or temporary, puts a creator’s viewpoints into the public sphere and creates an open dialogue.

It is something special, a kind of artistic hide and seek and as our city grows and opinions change so does the game.