Abstract

Public art in Great Britain has experienced a period of development in the last twenty years. Since the eighties, it has been considered a tool for urban planning and revitalization; nevertheless, criticisms and polemics have questioned its role in terms of social impact and inclusion. In fact, the use of public art as a simple means of aesthetic enhancement, marketing or property development has revealed practices of instrumentalisation. However, in suburban areas, new interventions focused on social participation have been able to involve the local community suggesting new patterns of development. The paper provides an overview and highlights limits and potentials of public art, questioning its instrumental use.