Public art in Nanaimo helps reduce vandalism and other crimes

Public art does more than just add beauty and colour to the city.
Jaime-Brett Sine, the city’s cultural coordinator, told council at its meeting on July 6 that a study by the Philadelphia Arts Program showed a reduction of crime of up to 42 per cent surrounding new public art in urban areas.
“That includes from vandalism and tagging to violent offences, so we know (public art) makes a significant difference,” she said.
“When a space looks intentionally cared for, people b