How Not To Sell Public Art To The Masses

In Milwaukee, plans for a major work of public art by sculptor Dennis Oppenheim have been shelved after a public outcry against the decidedly modernist piece. James Auer is disappointed by the plan’s defeat, but thinks he knows what the problem was – lack of proper salesmanship. “Perhaps we can retreat, regroup and give some thought to a few general rules about introducing a major work of art by a top talent to a public that is wary of modernism in general and conceptualism in particular.” Auer specifically suggests involving the local media early on in the process, rather than making formal announcements about new artworks which have already been approved.