Crime Prevention through Public Art

Context: Crime Prevention through Public Art. Installation of public art in public places celebrates a sense of community and helps in reducing crime, as criminals are discouraged from operating in areas which gives them a feeling that someone will challenge them. Thus, giving the neighborhood a sense of pride and reducing blight. Follow_link_to_article.

Complication: In New York City, this theory has never been quantitatively tested. The hypothesis being that, installing public art in open spaces reduces crime. The solution can be challenged as it might not drastically reduce crime but, might reduce the severity/nature of crime in those public spaces.

Resolution: The impact of such hypothesis is to test the amount to which crime is reduced in New York City public spaces, due to installation of public art. And if the hypothesis tests are wrong, then to look at the reduction in severity or nature of crime. It is possible that the degree of severity of crime is reduced as well.

Next Steps: The next steps involve looking at public art installation locations and timelines in urban spaces. Comparing the crime records as well as nature of crime committed before, during and after installation of public art, to test hypothesis.