This research project was commissioned by the Public Art Agency Sweden and carried out by the Art History department at Södertörn University. It looks at how public art works in everyday life, focusing on both permanent and temporary artworks, whether they are officially commissioned or created independently. The study explores why public art matters, how it can create value in shared spaces, make people feel safer, support remembrance, and invite public participation. Using real examples such as the Skandion Clinic’s art program and the Stockholm Lions project, it shows how elements like color, form, and artistic presence can influence places like healthcare environments and public areas. A key idea in the research is that temporary artworks, even though they are not permanent, can strongly engage communities if they are thoughtfully planned and responsibly implemented. The project also discusses newer approaches such as process-based art, the role of digital media, and how art is sometimes used in discussions around security or urban change. It pays attention to how Swedish municipalities work with temporary art, highlighting both the opportunities it offers and the challenges it raises. Overall, the study underlines the importance of respecting artistic integrity while recognizing that public art is always connected to social and political realities and plays an active role in shaping the public space we all share.
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