ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that the new era of the neo-liberal park cannot be responsibly critiqued without taking into account geographically specific spatial politics. It explores the why and how of public art in urban parks today. Public art programmes and parks departments are struggling in many cities in the United States, and have been for over a decade. One way to imagine public art is as a visually accessible object that is located within spaces of open public access. In terms of quality of life, public art offers a benefit because it enhances peoples' experience of the built environment by stimulating their attention to the world around them. As a community art/engagement tool, public art provides people with the opportunity to participate in the making of a city, and generates conversation amongst its publics. In terms of public art, staff, programmes and installations can be developed and sustained because of private investment.
