Art in urban space
Temporality and Democracy
Anyone wishing to install temporary art in public space must apply for authorisation for special use from the relevant road and parks authorities. This art in public space – KiSt for short – is usually limited to one year; an extension for a further year is only possible upon reapplication.
This makes it clear that these are not merely aesthetic interventions, but also legal and political processes.
Britta Schubert
A special road usage permit is mandatory, as public space is reserved for the common good. Applications are reviewed in accordance with monument and road regulations – but at its core, there is more at stake: the protection of artistic freedom enshrined in the constitution, from which both the right- and the obligation to promote artistic diversity are derived. Given the limited public space available, the administration is required to treat art equally – for example, through uniform regulations governing the duration of its presence in public space.
For works that are to remain permanently visible, an art competition based on transparent and democratic procedures is set forth.
Based on a democratic understanding of art, the peace statue was a great success, generating maximum publicity for the topic. Ari is a prime example of successful temporary art and shows that KiSt offers the opportunity to make the diversity of artistic expression visible and democracy tangible.
