My Experiments with an Everyday Space: Bus Stops as a Place for Public Engagement and Raising Awareness on Bird Habitat

Dr. Kasturi Hazarika

PhD Sociology

Abstract: This paper discusses the process and outcomes of a public art project aimed at raising awareness about the declining bird habitats through an installation at a bus stop in Guwahati, Assam, India. The project engaged the public in reflecting on this issue while reimagining the bus stop as a space for social and environmental awareness.

Introduction

I am a visual artist and a researcher with a PhD in Sociology, focusing on ‘Understanding Public Art: Divergent Perspectives’. Art, as we know, is a powerful tool for expression, reflection, and public engagement. While I have exhibited my work in galleries for a long time, it was during my PhD that I ventured into public art with a social purpose. This piece reflects on a public art project I carried out in June 2025 in Guwahati, Assam. The project was unique due to its venue—an ordinary bus stop in the Six-mile, Khanapara area, opposite the Lily Hotel. The aim of the installation was to raise awareness about the declining bird habitat across the globe.

The bus stop was chosen as the venue because it represents an everyday space that is often overlooked and taken for granted. Bus stops are part of our daily routines, primarily used for waiting during commutes. I saw this space as an opportunity to engage the public in reflection while waiting. Bus stops also provide infrastructure like shelter, seating, and display areas, making it an ideal location for public art. The installation would not only engage commuters but also pedestrians and passers-by, transforming a mundane space into one for social and environmental engagement.

Photo courtesy: The author

Public Engagement Through Public Art

Public art is an essential tool for social engagement, offering a platform for communities to interact with art in a way that transcends the traditional gallery space. By placing art in everyday environments, like bus stops, it democratizes art and makes it accessible to a broader audience. Public art transforms mundane spaces into places for reflection, dialogue, and collective engagement (Gubrium & Holstein, 2002). In this project, the goal was to raise awareness about the importance of bird habitats. The bus stop became a platform for this important conversation, using art to engage the community in a deeper reflection.

Engaging the public through art is crucial for several reasons. First, it fosters a sense of shared ownership and community. When people engage with public art, they become active participants in the cultural and social life of their environment, moving beyond the passive role of observer. This participatory nature of public art contributes to building a sense of belonging and strengthens social ties (Baker, 2010). Second, public art creates opportunities for individuals to think critically about social, environmental, and cultural issues. In this project, for instance, the artwork raised awareness about the declining bird habitats, encouraging viewers to reflect on the environmental challenges we face and how they can contribute to solutions (Helguera, 2011).

Moreover, public art creates a space for dialogue, bringing diverse perspectives into the conversation. By placing art in public spaces, it becomes a shared experience among people from various backgrounds, fostering inclusivity and promoting social cohesion (Miles, 2005). This process of engagement provides an opportunity for reflection and discussion, addressing critical issues like environmental sustainability, urban development, and social justice. Public art, therefore, not only beautifies public spaces but also acts as a catalyst for collective thinking and action (Schweitzer, 2018).

In sum, public engagement through art is not just about aesthetic appreciation; it is a powerful tool for community building, social change, and environmental awareness. By reimagining ordinary spaces, such as bus stops, public art projects create opportunities for reflection and discussion, ultimately leading to a more engaged and informed community.

The Process of Planning, Permissions, and Successful Execution of the Project

The project began with me reaching out to the local councillor to understand the necessary steps and contacts required to get permission. The councillor directed me to the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC), which manages public spaces in the city.

I submitted an application to the GMC and met with the relevant officials to present my project. After this meeting, the application was processed. Most of the paperwork was handled between two GMC branches: the main branch and the hoarding branch located in Lakhtokia, several kilometers away. The documents had to pass between these two branches for signatures and approval, which took some time.

Additionally, I required a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Traffic Police Department, as the installation could potentially affect traffic. I visited the department, explained the project, and they were supportive, granting the NOC. Once the NOC was obtained, the GMC called me in to confirm the details of the installation. Permission was granted for the installation to be set up for one day, with a fee of INR 3000 for using the space.

With the necessary permissions in place, I was able to set up the installation the very next day. The artwork was successfully displayed at the Six Mile Bus Stop, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam.

What I Achieved Through This Project

The project reached a large and diverse audience, engaging both commuters and pedestrians in a conversation about bird habitat conservation. The installation transformed the bus stop into a space for reflection, providing an opportunity for the public to reflect on an important social issue.

The public response was positive, and many individuals stopped to engage with the artwork, demonstrating the potential for public art to foster meaningful connections and raise awareness in everyday spaces.

Photo courtesy: The author

Conclusion

This project illustrated the power of public art to create engagement and spark critical conversations, even in ordinary spaces like bus stops. By reimagining the bus stop as a venue for raising environmental awareness, the installation provided a unique space for reflection and social interaction. This experience highlighted how public art can serve a social purpose beyond decoration, fostering dialogue on issues that matter.

References

Baker, C. (2010). Public Art and Community Building: Creating the Right Space for Reflection and Engagement. Art and Society Journal, 12(4), 56-71.

Gubrium, J. F., & Holstein, J. A. (2002). The Active Interview. Sage Publications.

Helguera, P. (2011). Education for Socially Engaged Art: A Materials and Techniques Handbook. Jorge Pinto Books.

Miles, M. (2005). Art, Space, and the Politics of Public Engagement. Journal of Social History, 38(2), 73-91.

Schweitzer, K. (2018). Public Art and Its Role in Fostering Social Change. Art Journal, 22(1), 32-49.