Public Art and the Making of Cities

Public art and urbanism are both crucial in creating a sense of place, community pride and identity. It is not solely about beautifying urbanised spaces, it can also create iconic landmarks which contribute to a city's identity. Through the medium of public art, artistic individuals have the power to bring to life the cultural heritage within the local population, express their views, evoke emotions, inspire creativity, and spark conversations through social and political commentary.

The research conducts a comparative study into how wall art influences, informs, improves public spaces and entertains societies in the geographically remote cities of Casablanca and London. Investigates how planning approaches to managing street art differ and how effective they are. Analyses contemporary wall art's recent development in terms of cultural and social discourse in the urban environment. The paper identifies and examines the implementation of socially committed public art policies and the social benefits of graffiti within regeneration initiatives through the involvement of citizens in the place-making process.