•  
  •  
 

Journal of Urban Culture Research

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This study examines the role of public art towards urban regeneration, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development, addressing critical challenges in the Nigerian public art sector. It adopts a qualitative research design based on literature review, and Eisenhardt’s theory-building approach, drawing on secondary data to generate insights from case-based analysis. Two contemporary Nigerian public art initiatives were examined using within-case and cross-case thematic analysis. The study integrates placemaking, cultural economics, social capital, place attachment, and regulatory theories to develop a sustainability framework for enhancing public art practice and administration in Nigeria. The study’s findings indicate that sustainable public art interventions for urban regeneration depend on adequate funding, participatory governance, community engagement, supportive policy environments, and culturally grounded artistic practices. The study provides insights into how future public art projects in Nigerian urban spaces can foster social cohesion, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth. It offers valuable implications for artists, urban planners, community organizations, policymakers, and public art stakeholders.

DOI

10.14456/jucr.2026.14

First Page

229

Last Page

251

Download

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.