Why Is Art Important?

Art is important for many different reasons. Some include:
  • Engaging citizens in conversation that can vary from understanding historical and cultural backgrounds, to driving attachment to place and social cohesion.
  • Art makes public spaces more approachable.
  • It can reinforce civic pride in residents.
  • Public art directly influences how people see and connect with a place, providing access to aesthetics that support its identity and making residents feel appreciated and valued. Aesthetics is one of the top three characteristics why residents attach themselves to a community.
Brenda Durant is the executive director of the Augusta Arts Council. 
​The Greater Augusta Arts Council was founded in 1968 to serve as an umbrella organization for the arts in Augusta. Over the years, they have taken an increasingly active role in planning and implementing Augusta’s cultural identity. 

Interview Questions:
With Brenda Durant, Art Council of Augusta

Q: What is your favorite art piece in Augusta?
A: Hard to choose!  I love the Mural on the Underpass of 13th Street near the Dental College, the Artist and I attended meetings for a year to discuss the planning of the 13th Street improvements and the tearing down of Cherry Tree Crossing- the neighborhood and a lot of input into the design..  I love Brian Rust’s rock boat just installed on the Canal. I love the Harrisburg underpasses currently being painted by Wesley Stewart and Coleen Beyer- it’s fun to watch it unfold.

Q: How would you describe the importance behind art in Augusta?
A: Public Art creates a sense of place and a sense of pride for a community.  People visiting and moving to Augusta have expectations for a city’s Public Art profile. We are a city full of arts and culture- this is great for residents and visitors as well.

Q: How do you connect to the art in Augusta? 
A: How to count the ways?  Personally I love music concerts, festivals, museums and art shows. I love hearing an artist talk so I attend lunch and learns and show openings.  I regularly attend an event or performance to experience something new.

Q: Have you seen the art boxes around Augusta? If so, what is your take on them?
A: The Arts Council created this project at the request of City Engineering.  It’s been a great project, building Community Pride, we have a new box in the works.

Q: Do you think that graffiti is considered art? Why or why not?
A: Yes, because it is.

Q: Do you think artwork (including graffiti) enhances or devalues the idea of place and space in Augusta?
A: I think random graffiti defacing property devalues our community.  Some communities have designated places for graffiti artists to show their work.

A Brief History Of Augusta, GA

  • Augusta has a rich history dating as far back as the early 1700s.
  • The settlement was established in 1736 by British General James Oglethorpe, and named in honor of the bride of Frederick Louis, Prince of Wales.
  • Summerville, Augusta was also home to many neighboring tribes of Creek and Cherokee Indians.
  • Augusta served as the state capital of Georgia from 1785 until 1795, and has many historically significant homes and buildings, such as the Cotton Exchange, established in 1872; the boyhood home of Woodrow Wilson (28th president of the United States); Ezekiel Harris House (1797); George Walton home (signer of the Declaration of Independence) and Springfield Baptist Church, the oldest African American church in America.
The Government pays for public art and makes spaces for public art because it brings joy to a community and portrays history. It is a learning opportunity for the whole community, or wherever art is present.
Affiliated with Augusta University
​​Class: Humanities 2010
Published: December 1st, 2019