Why Public Art Murals Make Cities More Livable

A case for embracing the quirky and everyday.

Mural created by Humanity Art: Lys Glassford and Lauren Semple. Photo Credit: MilleniumMedia

Cities Are for Everyone

Jane Jacobs, the godmother of urban vitality, once said that cities should reflect the people who live in them. Not just the affluent or the elite, but everyone. The heartbeat of a city is its diversity. Public art offers one of the most vibrant ways to showcase that. Especially on Vancouver Island, where community spirit and creativity thrive, public art murals play a key role in shaping spaces that feel inclusive, alive, and uniquely local.

Low-Brow Art is High-Value Culture

A controversial statement in the art world, I know. However, I truly believe not all art needs a degree to be understood.

While polished sculptures and gallery-grade installations can elevate public spaces, they often don't represent the people who actually use these spaces. Low-brow art, like humorous murals, street art, and eclectic wall pieces, taps into the everyday human experience. It’s authentic. It’s relatable. It’s the kind of art that celebrates the real people who work, live, and play in communities.

Cities that embrace both high and low-brow art become more human and arguably more livable. They reject sterilized aesthetics and instead invite laughter, contemplation, and connection. I have both created and commissioned murals that have sparked divisive public debate and made regional news. The takeaway is that these artworks created real conversation. It was an opportunity to see the passion and honest opinions of the folks interacting with the mural in person, versus those who saw it online, versus those who saw it online and then decided to visit the space to see for themselves. They've sparked letter-writing campaigns from across the world in favour of low-brow aesthetics, truly showing the joy it brings to different populations.

Art is subjective. Whether it is low-brow or high-brow, good art will create dialogue. There is nothing worse than a city increasing its art inventory with a piece that sparks no opinions.

The Fast Track to Beautification Without Gentrification

Beautiful spaces shouldn't come at the cost of displacement. Gentrification often rides on the back of public space "beautification" that overlooks community context. Murals may offer an antidote.

• Murals can be painted quickly, with community consultation, avoiding costly and disruptive construction.

• Hiring local muralists ensures the artwork speaks to and for the residents.

• Public art murals create cultural fingerprints that are impossible to replicate. Cities should be living canvases.

  
  

Research supports this idea. A 2021 report by the Americans for the Arts found that public art improves mental health, boosts tourism, and fosters social cohesion. These benefits are vital in economically diverse communities.

Vancouver Island Murals: A Living Case Study

From eclectic wall art in downtown Nanaimo to community-driven mural projects across Vancouver Island, the region already showcases rich examples of how street art enhances a sense of place. Wall art on Vancouver Island tells stories, uplifts communities, and protects local identity. Municipalities and businesses have a unique opportunity to harness this momentum. By investing in mural projects that reflect diverse experiences, they can enhance public spaces while preserving their community essence.

Volunteers painting mural at RCL Branch 256. Project led by Humanity In Art, an artistic partnership between Lys Glassford and Lauren Semple.

Re-imagining Spaces Together

Whether you’re a city planner looking to invigorate underused alleys or a business owner seeking eye-catching exterior art, muralists like Lys Glassford are ready to help you turn visions into vibrant realities.

Public art is storytelling, resistance, and celebration all rolled into one. When cities embrace the weird, the local, and the low-brow, they gain personality.

The Economic Impact of Public Art

Investing in public art can have significant economic benefits. It attracts tourists, boosts foot traffic to local businesses, and enhances property values. A vibrant art scene can turn a neighbourhood into a destination. People are drawn to visually appealing, culturally rich areas.

Art is a Tool for Social Change

Art can challenge norms and provoke thought. It can address social issues and inspire change. Murals can serve as a platform for marginalized voices, bringing attention to important topics. By embracing diverse perspectives, cities can foster inclusivity and understanding.