Public Art
"The attainment of quality of life is naturally sympathetic with the concept of culture forming the 4th pillar of sustainability (cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, environmental responsibility and social justice). We argue that the economic pillar cannot succeed without culture."
Public art is an important part of public and private developments and is a key part of urban revitalisation and placemaking. At The Design Partnership, we collaborate with specialist art consultants, artists, and placemaking experts to ensure that creative ideas integrate seamlessly into the public domain.
In developing public art, a deep understanding of the built environment is essential when determining the optimal siting, scale, and form of artworks, street furniture, and other cultural and urban elements. Our approach includes site analysis to assess spatial, historical, and cultural contexts—ensuring that every artistic intervention is meaningful and well-placed.
There is also a strong link between public art and good CPTED outcomes. Thoughtfully designed and well-integrated public art can foster a sense of community pride and ownership, strengthening connections to place while deterring antisocial behaviour. By embedding cultural expression into the urban landscape, we help create places that are visually engaging, safer, and more inviting for the communities they serve.
Wilga Park and the 'Mandala' artwork by ARTSCAPE in Macquarie Park.
Public Art - Do I need a Public Art Plan?
Public art is more than just an aesthetic addition—it’s an investment in a place’s identity, history, and cultural expression. Many councils now require public art as part of the Development Application process, whether for public or private developments. In most cases, the budget is determined as a percentage of construction costs, making it essential to plan for public art early in the process.
Integrating public art too late can lead to unnecessary costs, spatial constraints, and approval delays. A well-considered art plan ensures that artworks are seamlessly incorporated into the design, rather than being an afterthought. It also provides a clear framework for how public art contributes to the site, its buildings, and the surrounding community.
Beyond individual developments, we also undertake public art audits, develop policies, and create strategic plans for towns and entire LGAs. Our approach ensures that public art is not just a compliance requirement but a meaningful contribution that enhances place identity and community connection.
Public Art Experience & Expertise
Kristy Cianci is an architect and urban designer specialising in public art and its integration into the built environment.
Kristy has worked with public art practice ARTSCAPE for fifteen years. She provides urban design advice and recommendations on how to site artworks and integrate them into building fabric and the public domain. She is also highly experienced in developing policy and planning documents for public art, which are important factors in funding public art projects.
Understanding the need for Public Art
The Design Partnership recognises the importance of quality of life in creating thriving communities. Communities with a high quality of life attract people - people who want to work and invest in places.
In the words of urban economist Edward Glaesar (Harvard University), who speaks about the importance of quality of life – “these cities attract smart people and enable them to work and play collaboratively. There is no such thing as a successful city without human capital.”
In a nutshell, whether it’s a city or rural village, quality of life represents an individual’s physical, mental, social and cultural wellbeing. Naturally, this highlights the pivotal role of culture and public art in the attainment of quality of life and how the very success of a city is balanced upon it.
The attainment of quality of life is naturally sympathetic to the concept of culture forming the 4th pillar of sustainability (cultural vibrancy, economic prosperity, environmental responsibility and social justice).
We argue that the economic pillar cannot succeed without culture. For instance, a city needs smart people – entrepreneurs – to start a business, employ people and become part of that city. So why would that entrepreneur and their talented employees come to live in your community?
A study produced by Endeavour Insights identified the ‘magic formula’ for attracting and retaining the best entrepreneurs, was by creating a great place to live. One of the criteria in creating a great place to live is meeting each of the Quality of Life factors – one of which is culture, of which public art is an important pillar.
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