Art in Public Spaces: Murals, Installations, and Beyond (Part 1, with local calls to artists)

Art in Public Spaces: Murals, Installations, and Beyond (Part 1, with local calls to artists)

Public art has a long history of being a powerful tool for expression, social commentary, and community engagement. From the grandiose frescoes of Renaissance churches to the vibrant street murals that decorate urban neighborhoods, art in public spaces has the unique ability to transcend the boundaries of galleries and museums, reaching an audience that extends far beyond the art world’s typical collectors and enthusiasts.

In recent years, public art has experienced a resurgence in popularity, and its impact has grown dramatically. Murals, sculptures, interactive installations, and even temporary art experiences are now taking center stage in cities and communities around the world. But what is it about public art that makes it so powerful and relevant today?

I’m seeing how public art is evolving, expanding, and transforming the way we think about the intersection of art, space, and community. In this blog, I’ll explore the role of art in public spaces, from murals to installations, and look at how these forms are reshaping our urban and social landscapes.

1. Murals: Transforming Urban Landscapes

Murals have long been a defining feature of public art, and they continue to thrive in cities around the world. In recent years, large-scale street murals have exploded in popularity, often reflecting the cultural identity, social issues, and spirit of the community they occupy. Whether it’s a mural that celebrates local heritage, addresses political issues, or simply adds a splash of color to a drab building, murals serve as a powerful visual voice for a community.  I’ve recently sat down with local Muralist Rachel Castenada about her work on ‘Artist Antics with April’ and someone who does murals across the US that I follow is Kiptoe.

In many cases, murals have become integral to gentrifying urban areas, where they serve as both an aesthetic improvement and a statement of identity. As neighborhoods change, these murals can reflect the tension between progress and preservation, giving voice to long-standing residents while also embracing new influences.

Why does this matter?

Murals provide an incredible opportunity for local artists to showcase their work in public spaces, creating an immediate connection between the artwork and the community. In cities like Los Angeles, Berlin, Melbourne, and Mexico City, murals have become both a celebration of the city’s character and a catalyst for social dialogue. When you encounter a mural on the side of a building, it becomes part of your everyday environment, influencing how you see the space around you and encouraging deeper reflection on the issues they represent.

Tip: Artists who work in public spaces often have the opportunity to make a direct impact on the culture and identity of a place. If you’re an artist interested in public art, start by researching mural festivals and projects in your area or beyond. It’s a great way to get involved with the community while expanding your artistic reach.  Here are some local Calls For Murals:

1. SEEK Raleigh – Public Art Program

  • Hosted by the Raleigh Arts Program through the City of Raleigh.

  • Artists propose temporary or experimental public art projects in parks, greenways, or public spaces.

  • Budgets typically $1,000–$10,000 depending on the project.

  • Projects are implemented across the city during the program cycle. 

Good option if you want to propose:

  • murals

  • installations

  • interactive public artwork

2. Durham Public Art – Artist Registry

  • Run by the City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program.

  • Artists can submit portfolios to be included in the Pre-Qualified Artist Registry, which cities use to select artists for murals and other public art projects. 

Why it’s useful:

  • Durham regularly commissions murals and public art

  • Being on the registry makes you eligible for future calls.

3. Carolina Beach Mural Project

  • Organized by the Carolina Beach Mural Project.

  • Commissions North Carolina artists to paint murals throughout the town.

  • Projects are funded through sponsors and community partnerships. 

They periodically announce calls when new walls become available.

4. Town Mural Projects (Various NC Cities)

Many North Carolina towns issue mural RFQs periodically. For example:

These smaller municipalities often look for regional artists, so Triangle artists have a good chance.

Best Websites to Monitor for Mural Calls

Check these regularly—most NC mural opportunities appear here first:

2. Installation Art: Creating Immersive Experiences

While murals are two-dimensional expressions of art, installations take public art to a whole new level by creating immersive environments. These works often invite viewers to experience art from within, engaging all of their senses and offering a dynamic interaction with the space around them.

Public art installations can range from temporary light sculptures illuminating city streets, to interactive sound installations that change as people walk by, to environmental art that integrates nature and art seamlessly. Artists like Olafur Eliasson, known for his large-scale installations like The Weather Project at the Tate Modern, and Kara Walker, whose installation works tackle complex themes of race, history, and identity, are leading the charge in transforming public spaces into experiential art forms.

These installations often reflect the community’s values, struggles, or joys, and can be used to reflect or challenge social issues, making them powerful tools for engagement and education. Because installations are typically site-specific, they have a unique ability to transform a space, changing how people interact with their surroundings and offering a new perspective on the everyday.

Why does this matter?

Installations have a unique power to draw people in, offering them not just an artwork to observe, but an entire engaging environment. The immersive nature of installations invites viewers to physically step into the art, becoming part of the experience. This level of engagement helps people connect to the work in a much more personal way than passive viewing ever could.

Tip: If you’re an artist considering installations, think about how you can incorporate interactive elements into your work. Public art installations are an opportunity to break down the fourth wall and engage your audience in a participatory, experiential way.  Here are some local Calls For Installation Art:

1. Raleigh Arts – Public Art Installations

One of the most relevant opportunities locally is through the City of Raleigh’s public art program.

  • Project: Fayetteville Street Streetscape Public Art

  • Opportunity: Installation-based public art such as interactive seating, wayfinding elements, and immersive visual environments

  • Budget: Up to $300,000 depending on project scope

  • Who can apply: U.S. artists or artist teams

  • Where: Downtown Raleigh

The project specifically invites artists to design large-scale installation works integrated into public space. 

2. SEEK Raleigh – Temporary Public Art Installations

An experimental program run by Raleigh Arts.

  • Artists propose temporary installations in parks, greenways, or community spaces

  • Ideal for interactive, environmental, or conceptual installation work

  • Proposals are juried annually in the spring

This program focuses on projects that engage the public and activate city spaces with art. 

3. Durham Cultural & Public Art Program

Durham regularly commissions installation, sculpture, and environmental works.

  • Artists can join the Pre-Qualified Artist Registry

  • Used to select artists for future public art installations

  • Rolling deadline for submissions

Being on the registry increases eligibility for city commissions. 

4. Artspace (Raleigh) – Installation Residencies

Artspace offers artist residencies where artists produce site-specific exhibitions or installations.

  • Includes studio space, funding, and exhibition opportunity

  • Often results in immersive or installation-based shows

Artspace is a major local hub for artists and exhibitions in downtown Raleigh. 

5. VAE Raleigh – Experimental / Installation Exhibitions

VAE produces 60+ exhibitions and pop-up shows annually and often includes:

  • installation art

  • mixed media

  • site-responsive works

  • alternative venue exhibitions

Members can apply for many calls with free submissions. 

🔎 Best Places to Watch for Installation Calls (Triangle)

These are the main places installation opportunities appear first:

Many installation commissions appear 3–6 months before the project start date.

3. Public Art as Social Commentary

One of the most compelling aspects of art in public spaces is its ability to address social issues and serve as a platform for activism. From murals that tackle racial inequality to installations that raise awareness about climate change, public art is increasingly becoming a tool for advocacy.

Here are some local public artworks to explore that are addressing issues:

  1. NC State Free Expression Tunnel

  2. SEEK Raleigh installations

  3. Union Station murals and downtown public art

  4. NC Museum of Art Park environmental installations

  5. North Carolina Freedom Park

Public art allows artists to communicate their perspectives on pressing issues in a manner that’s visible to a broad audience, often directly engaging with the everyday lives of the public. This is particularly important in a time when social justice movements, climate activism, and political discourse are more visible than ever before. Art in public spaces has the ability to spark conversation, prompt reflection, and inspire action.

For example, the #BlackLivesMatter murals that appeared in cities across the world in 2020 made a profound statement about racial justice, turning city streets into sites of both mourning and activism. Similarly, large-scale public art installations addressing environmental sustainability have brought attention to the urgent need for climate action.

Why does this matter?

Public art has the unique ability to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, raise awareness about key social issues, and create public spaces for dialogue. The public aspect of the work ensures that it can reach a wide and diverse audience, which is especially crucial in times of political or social upheaval.

Tip: Artists who use their work to make a statement should carefully consider the context of the space in which they are creating. A mural or installation that addresses a community issue has the power to not only raise awareness but to become a rallying point for collective action.

4. Temporary Art: A Moment in Time

While many public art projects are permanent or semi-permanent, there is also a growing interest in temporary art in public spaces. Temporary installations or art events can capture a moment in time and become part of the cultural memory of a community. This type of art often embraces ephemerality—where the art exists only for a short period before being removed or altered.

Temporary art can range from site-specific sculptures to performance art pieces that appear for a limited time in parks or plazas. Events like Art Basel’s public art projects and temporary street art festivals showcase the power of art that’s here one day and gone the next. These works often create a sense of excitement and anticipation, pushing the boundaries of what art can be while giving viewers an experience that they can treasure even after the piece is gone.

Why does this matter?

Temporary public art is a reminder that art is living, it evolves, transforms, and sometimes disappears. This transient nature can create a sense of exclusivity and immediacy, drawing people to experience it before it vanishes. It’s also a way to engage with spaces that are in flux or being transformed, providing temporary beauty or commentary in the midst of change.

Tip: If you’re interested in creating temporary art, think about the event or location you want to impact. Temporary art can create an experience that invites people to witness something unique and ephemeral, giving them a connection to the moment.

5. The Future of Public Art: Digital Integration and Augmented Reality

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the future of public art. Digital tools, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) are starting to influence how public art is experienced. Projects like AR murals or VR art installations allow for new kinds of interaction and engagement.

Imagine walking through a city and pointing your phone at a mural to see it come to life with animations, sound, or additional layers of meaning. This integration of digital technology into physical art spaces has the potential to create truly immersive and interactive experiences that could redefine the concept of public art altogether.

Why does this matter?

With the increasing prevalence of smartphones and digital platforms, the next frontier for public art lies in creating experiences that engage both the physical and digital realms. By incorporating AR or VR, artists can expand the boundaries of what’s possible in public spaces and offer experiences that reach beyond the physical form of the artwork itself.

Tip: If you’re an artist working in the digital realm, consider how your creations can be integrated into the physical world. Combining digital technologies with traditional public art forms opens up exciting new possibilities for interaction.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Art in Public Spaces

I believe that public art is more than just decoration, it’s a conversation starter, a catalyst for change, and a way to connect people to the places they live. Whether it’s a mural, an installation, or a temporary performance, public art has the unique ability to shape the environment, inspire dialogue, and foster community.

As artists, embracing public art offers a powerful opportunity to not only showcase our work but also to impact the world around us. The intersection of art, space, and society creates an ongoing dialogue that challenges perceptions, enriches communities, and invites all of us to see the world with fresh eyes.

 

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