[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
BigArtMob is a new art blogging platform with a very specific goal in mind: it's set out to collect images of all the public art out there. The easiest way is of course to send images in via your cell phone, but submissions aren't limited to this. Based in the UK, mobile phone submissions are currently restricted to this area. Users can create their own art blog, which lets you display the images you've captured, and include a description. All your posts appear in blogging format, of course. What's neat about this type of set up is the ability for each user to show their own collection of amassed images of public art.
Beyond this, BigArtMob seems to be organized around several groups, which can add a more collective aspect to the display of public art that users come across in their daily lives. Entries are also in wiki format, so registered members can add to other users' contributions. This helps collect more details of a particular entry, and taps into collective wisdom regarding public art.
[img src="" caption="" credit="" alt=""]
There's also a Google Maps mashup, which shows submissions and highlighted works of art. Considering the collaborative nature of BigArtMob, this map mashup is similar to WikipediaVision, which shows edits in near real-time. The site's map can also be posted as a widget, while a second widget, which is Flash, can be used for personal blog purposes.
As it stands right now, BigArtMob is an intriguing social experiment in the influence of crowd wisdom, particularly when it comes to public art. In fact, with Google 's own socializing of maps and mashup tools, it will be interesting to see if any similar communities crop up as a byproduct of Google's initiatives, and how this could affect BigArtMob.