The concept of public art has been around for many decades, and for some it is controversial, and not because the art itself is designed to shock or offend. Some people simply wonder whether a community should put money toward it.
Here is Stephen Colbert’s satirical take.
"Art belongs in two places, in a museum or mounted near the toilet in a billionaire’s yacht," said Colbert.
There are more than 300 government-funded public art programs across the country, and Phoenix has one of them. Edward Jensen, a member of the Phoenix Arts and Culture Commission, said public art can play a role in community building.
