While strolling a museum or public art exhibit, people don’t often think about the importance of preservation. Conservators have the unique responsibility of maintaining and restoring our most treasured artworks. Resources of all types are necessary to support this effort. The best part is citizens get to provide input and help fund the paintings, sculptures, architecture and other mediums that reflect our cultural values. Think of the time spent enjoying art in public spaces as a contribution to your community and the future.
Art and Attitudes
Public attitudes about art change throughout the years. Each generation brings new ideas to the discourse on merit and form. Another area of stewardship that helps preserve works for generations is public art restoration practices. Expert renewal can mitigate the issues of time and decay. People appreciate seeing the qualities and precision of artistic creations. Conservation also preserves community interest and investment.
Art and Growth
Urban growth is consistently transforming our concept of space and mobility. This has increased the need to protect art as a function of a city. Instead of seeing a sculpture as an issue with flow, civic groups are reevaluating art pieces as focal points of character and history. This adds great beauty to cities and helps alleviate the difficult decisions on what to keep in a rapidly expanding environment.
Art and Continuity
Cultural continuity is a vital gift. Artworks reveal the backstory of a people. It is a tapestry of our desires, peculiarities, missteps and successes. In the years to come, environmental pressure is an increasing concern for public art. Conservators aided by public commitment and funding will be the ever-present threads to on-going protection.
The work of preservation and restoration takes a community effort. A public good is decided by our choices. The decision to support art conservation is a generational benefit.