Don’t Let Vandalism Deter Your Public Art and Placemaking

We’ve seen it many times in some small towns. Activities such as a holiday lightup in a park soon makes annual headlines because vandals smashed some lightbulbs, or some art work in a downtown is vandalized.

This becomes an ever greater problem for your activities when these acts of vandalism are reported on social media and the inevitable ‘keyboard warriors’ start bashing everything related and unrelated about your community. It ends up going down rabbit holes that amplify the negative comments as being the ‘reality’ of your town.

Public art and placemaking initiatives have the remarkable ability to transform urban spaces, injecting vitality and creativity into the heart of a community. However, with this creative expression often comes the risk of vandalism, which can deter communities from investing in such endeavors. Yet, in the face of adversity, there lies an opportunity for resilience and unity.

In this blog post, we explore how communities can overcome vandalism and continue to foster a vibrant downtown through public art and placemaking.

Embrace the Resilience of Public Art

Public art serves as a canvas for community expression, reflecting the unique identity and spirit of a place. From murals adorning alleyways to sculptures gracing public squares, these installations enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban environments while fostering a sense of belonging among residents. However, the very nature of public art makes it susceptible to vandalism. Yet, rather than succumbing to despair, communities can choose to embrace the resilience of public art.

Turning Vandalism into Victory

First of all, if there is vandalism, fix it quietly and move on. Repeat that mantra three times every times there’s vandalism. You don’t need to loudly publicize acts of vandalism. Otherwise you’re just feeding the vandals’ reason to vandalize in the first place.

Vandalism, though disheartening, presents an opportunity for resilience and renewal. Instead of viewing it as a setback, communities can use acts of vandalism as catalysts for positive change. For instance, when a mural is defaced, it can spark conversations about the importance of art and the need to protect communal spaces. Moreover, the process of restoring vandalized artwork can bring community members together, fostering a sense of solidarity and collective ownership.

Community Engagement and Ownership

One of the most effective strategies for combatting vandalism is fostering community engagement and ownership of public art projects. By involving residents in the creation and maintenance of these installations, communities can instill a sense of pride and responsibility. Moreover, by establishing neighbourhood watch programs or enlisting local artists to periodically refresh murals, communities can actively protect against vandalism while nurturing a culture of creativity and collaboration.

Educate and Raise Awareness

Another crucial aspect of mitigating vandalism is education and awareness-raising. Many acts of vandalism stem from ignorance or a lack of understanding of the value of public art. By educating residents about the significance of these installations and the impact of vandalism on the community, communities can foster a culture of respect and appreciation. Additionally, promoting dialogue between artists, residents, and policymakers can lead to the implementation of strategies to prevent vandalism and ensure the longevity of public art projects.

Celebrate Success and Perseverance

Despite the challenges posed by vandalism, it is essential for communities to celebrate their successes and perseverance. Each restored mural, revitalized public space, or new art installation represents a triumph of creativity and resilience over adversity. By highlighting these achievements, communities can inspire others to invest in public art and placemaking initiatives, fostering a cycle of positivity and growth.

Let us turn vandalism into victory and continue to cultivate dynamic urban spaces that reflect the spirit of our small towns and communities!