Public Performance Art and the Civic Experience

Research will look at public art and its role in fostering a "creative" city ambience. After demonstrating the validity of publicly supported art, the research will identify site-specific performance art as a new medium for public engagement. Expanding on the staid tradition of public art as a stationary sculpture, this research will pose the question: can public performance art provide greater instrumentality to publicly supported art? A review of existing sources will provide most of the data; however an in-depth analysis of the Art on Market Street Temporary Projects Program, produced by the San Francisco Art Commission (SFAC), and their latest project, "Sailing Away" by Zaccho Dance Theatre (ZDT), is central to demonstrating the importance of public site-specific performances. An evaluation of external, critical reviews will provide the basis for this program's analysis. Interviews with 3-4 individuals, two from the SFAC and two from ZDT will also provide data.