I am a fan of graffiti art. Decriminalizing the act and providing walls or art spaces to graffiti writers is an excellent way to learn about the feelings of and happenings in communities. Yes, I know not everyone appreciates this art form. If it is directed with permissions & including entire communities in their production is also a way to bring people together and create deeper understandings of what is important to all concerned.
I have to admit when I first read about Boaty McBoatface I thought it was funny, but not real. When I found out that it was real I was thrilled. I agree with your points about involving artists and other citizens to create visual images because it is a great way to humanize government. I also agree with using more murals on public buildings, graffiti and Banksy type artists, and more public voting on how public buildings should look as mentioned in other posts. Some things have to be standardized for the sake of safety (street signs, street lights, road lanes, poison markers, etc.) but even then, some color and originality should also be used. Let's bring joy into these things as much as possible, and a bit of whimsy.
This happened in 1990, so I'm unable to find internet confirmation, but my memory is that the city of Mountain View, in northern California, invited public comment when they planned a new performing arts center. If my memory is correct, they put four building models in a public space, possibly the city hall, and built the one that got the most votes from the public. I remember thinking what a great idea this was, and how sadly unusual. The resulting Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts has been very successful.
I am a fan of graffiti art. Decriminalizing the act and providing walls or art spaces to graffiti writers is an excellent way to learn about the feelings of and happenings in communities. Yes, I know not everyone appreciates this art form. If it is directed with permissions & including entire communities in their production is also a way to bring people together and create deeper understandings of what is important to all concerned.
I have to admit when I first read about Boaty McBoatface I thought it was funny, but not real. When I found out that it was real I was thrilled. I agree with your points about involving artists and other citizens to create visual images because it is a great way to humanize government. I also agree with using more murals on public buildings, graffiti and Banksy type artists, and more public voting on how public buildings should look as mentioned in other posts. Some things have to be standardized for the sake of safety (street signs, street lights, road lanes, poison markers, etc.) but even then, some color and originality should also be used. Let's bring joy into these things as much as possible, and a bit of whimsy.
This happened in 1990, so I'm unable to find internet confirmation, but my memory is that the city of Mountain View, in northern California, invited public comment when they planned a new performing arts center. If my memory is correct, they put four building models in a public space, possibly the city hall, and built the one that got the most votes from the public. I remember thinking what a great idea this was, and how sadly unusual. The resulting Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts has been very successful.
I love the Oakland Public Library card design contests! oaklandlibrary.org/artcontest/winners/
Most NYC garbage trucks look like garbage trucks, but very occasionally I'll see one of the painted ones and it's pure delight. They're completely covered, like a garbage truck art canvas. Here's an article with photos: https://abc7ny.com/nyc-sanitation-trucks-of-art-unveiled-artists/12398256/
My friends father was an exceptional professional artist and used to submit entries for the Duck Stamp. I always thought it was a neat idea.
https://www.fws.gov/program/federal-duck-stamp/federal-duck-stamp-contest-event-information
I thought they kept McBoat Boat.
they did not name the main boat, but did use it for a small underwater autonomous vehicle attached to the main vehicle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boaty_McBoatface