Exploring the contribution of public art to the tourist experience in Istanbul, Ravenna and New York

Abstract

The appeal of art within the tourist experience is often associated with works of art in galleries and museums. The attraction of art, including architecture, which is found in urban public spaces, such as parks, churches and squares and is largely not interpreted for visitors, receives less attention, despite its ubiquitousness in cities around the world. This article explores the role of public art in the tourist experience using comparative case studies of Istanbul, Ravenna and New York to frame the discussion. Findings suggest that the lack of formal interpretation of public art does not necessarily diminish but may in fact enhance the tourist experience, especially for those tourists open to discovery and exploration.

Keywords:

• public art
• architecture
• interpretation
• tourist experience
• monumentality

Notes on contributors

Warwick Frost is an associate professor in the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality at La Trobe University, Australia. His research interests include heritage, events, nature-based attractions and the interaction between media, popular culture and tourism. Warwick has co-written three books: Books and travel: Inspiration, quests and transformation (Channel View Publications, 2012), Commemorative events: Memory, identities, conflict (Routledge, 2013) and Explorer travellers and adventure tourism (Channel View Publications, 2014). He is the editor of Tourism and zoos: Conservation, education, entertainment? (Channel View Publications, 2011) and a co-editor of National parks and tourism: International perspectives on development, histories and change (Routledge, 2009). Warwick is a co-editor of the Routledge Advances in events research Series.

Jennifer H. Laing is a senior lecturer in the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality at La Trobe University, Australia. Her research interests include travel narratives, the role of events in society, heritage tourism and adventure travel. Jennifer is a co-editor of the Routledge Advances in events research series. She has co-written three books: Books and travel: Inspiration, quests and transformation (Channel View Publications, 2012), Commemorative events: Memory, identities, conflict (Routledge, 2013) and Explorer travellers and adventure tourism (Channel View Publications, 2014).

Kim M. Williams is a lecturer in the Department of Marketing, Tourism and Hospitality at La Trobe University, Australia. She teaches in the areas of food and beverage, gastronomy, wine tourism and human resources. Her research background is concerned with human resources issues, with a prime focus on professional development and training. She is also interested in cultural and wine tourism. Kim is co-editor (together with Warwick Frost and Jennifer Laing) of Fashion, design and events (Routledge, 2013).