Recently there was an article about how LA (once called the mural capital of the world) was facing a huge upkeep problem with it's thousands of public artworks (i'll try to find the link.) While that particular piece dealt specifically with damage from vandalism and graffiti, damage by weather, age, vandals, and accidents are critically threatening the lives of many artworks worldwide, and that threat is being extended to future opportunities for artists. Cities across the world are seeking to revitalize their art communities, though with problems like this, it's easy to see why there isn't a ton being done publicly...it's just too damn expensive. Not only do you have to find an artist, but you have to pay them, go through rounds and rounds of revisions, get the project approved, potentially pay for supplies, potentially pay for the space, advertise, agree to contracts which can be very strict and lastly, pay for upkeep throughout the years. Suddenly a very positive and beautiful idea turns into "the dummies guide to running out of funding...quickly."
Here's an article about a masterpiece of modern sculpture by British artist Henry Moore that has fallen into disrepair while on display directly opposite of the Houses of Parliament. Why? No one will claim to be the owner, who in turn would be the one to at least initiate the restoration effort...
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Who-owns-this-damaged-masterpiece-by-Henry-Moore?/24695
So until someone comes forward knowing who the owner is, or we find some way to assign ownership, this piece may be doomed to become just another deteriorated masterpiece who's real brilliance was lost to history...
Here is the article about vandalism and disrepair of LA's once heralded murals and how laws meant to protect the works actually lends to some of the destruction
http://www.theartnewspaper.com/articles/Vandals-target-Los-Angeles’-murals/24657
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