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In the past, public art was often seen as a decorative afterthought. Today, it’s a strategic placemaking tool helping cities and real estate developers build stronger communities, reinforce identity, and increase long-term value. When done right, public art can activate spaces, create emotional connections, and deliver measurable ROI.
At MASSIVart, we work with developers, municipalities, and design teams to integrate public art at every stage of the real estate lifecycle. Drawing on our experience across North America and LATAM, this article explores how public art creates value socially, culturally, and economically.
Public art has the unique ability to create shared experiences in public spaces. It brings people together, sparks conversation, and turns everyday environments into places where community can thrive.
When integrated early in a development, public art can reflect the aspirations and identities of local communities, building trust and social cohesion.
Example: Waterfront BIA (Toronto)
MASSIVart worked with the Waterfront BIA to deliver a community-driven placemaking framework. Through inclusive public engagement and temporary art installations, we helped reimagine Toronto’s waterfront as a place where people feel welcome, inspired, and connected. The result was increased pedestrian activity, local pride, and community reactivation in a highly visible public space.
Toronto’s Waterfront BIA creative placemaking and public art installation by CK-JJ, produced and curated by MASSIVart.
Every successful development needs a sense of place. Public art helps define it.
Whether by honouring local heritage, highlighting underrepresented stories, or projecting a visionary brand narrative, art gives form to a place’s identity—and ensures it resonates with people emotionally.
Example: ROYALMOUNT (Montreal)
As part of the creation of ROYALMOUNT, a flagship mixed-use destination, MASSIVart curated a permanent public art program reflecting themes of sustainability, diversity, and innovation. Each artwork was selected to speak to the site’s long-term vision, not just to beautify it. This art collection now acts as a cultural layer to the architecture, one that positions ROYALMOUNT as both a commercial hub and a cultural destination.
ROYALMOUNT – The Wishing Bear by Chun Hua Catherine Dong, Curated and Produced by MASSIVart – Photo by Charlie Marois
While the social and cultural impacts of public art are often immediate and visible, its economic benefits are equally tangible:
A recent study conducted by The Creative School (Toronto Metropolitan University), Daniels Corporation, Lemay, Entro, and MASSIVart confirmed that creative placemaking and public art interventions increase perceived value and improve space utilization.
Developers and municipalities that embrace public art as part of their strategy don’t just get beautiful results—they get long-term, layered value that pays off socially, culturally, and financially.
When done right, public art:
MASSIVart is a global public art and creative placemaking consulting firm with projects across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and beyond. We work with visionary real estate developers and city-builders to plan, curate, and deliver integrated cultural strategies that transform places and create lasting impact.