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Talking Trash: Throwing Out the Big Apple

City Studies

Whose Art?

Since 1983, New York City has spent $41 million on art in public spaces such as parks, public plazas, streets, and sidewalks. Who decides public art? Where does the money come from?

In the fall of 2018, CUP collaborated with Teaching Artist Ilaria Ortensi and Teacher Lexi Scholes’ literacy class at the International Community High School in the Bronx to dig deep into the world of public art. To investigate, students created sculptures, interviewed key decision makers, and surveyed community members about the art they would want to see in their neighborhood.

Students created this booklet to inform other communities on how they can bring public art into their neighborhoods.