Value-Creation and Challenges of Public Art Practice in Rural Areas: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Public art, due to its ability to engage powerfully in social affairs, is increasingly being utilized in rural areas to promote local revitalization. However, public art has had complex impacts in practice and has stirred up widespread controversy concerning its value. To understand this more clearly, a systematic review and classification are necessary to recognize the contribution of public art in rural areas and the challenges it faces. Since no previous research on this issue used this methodology, this study finally selected 44 articles from four major databases for thematic analysis by designing a screening process. The findings revealed seven value-creation (encouraging community participation; strengthening community identity; boosting the economy; promoting education; increasing visibility; improving the environment; benefiting mental health) and seven challenges (lack of community identity; limited participation; low resources and support; unsustainable development; unreasonable management; negative effects; imbalance of rights and interests). Among these, community identity and participation are central to public art practice. Future research needs to consider the complex dynamic of public art in greater depth by recognizing the diverse perspectives of artists, government agencies, and rural communities and develop a more holistic approach to practice that promotes cooperative interaction among stakeholders.

Keywords:

• Public art
• art practice
• rural areas
• rural revitalization

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).