Graffiti as an element of urban culture: regional and socio-demographic specificities of public perception

This article examines public perceptions of graffiti and street art in Russian cities. Drawing on data from a large-scale sociological survey (16 cities, N = 14,286), the study explores the spectrum of urban residents’ attitudes - from recognizing graffiti as a form of artistic expression to viewing it critically or labeling it as vandalism. The findings show that perceptions of street art are significantly shaped by local cultural policy, the visual saturation of the urban environment, and socio-demographic factors such as age, gender, and material well-being. Contrary to expectations, the level of education does not significantly affect how graffiti is perceived. A high level of public support for official initiatives involving commissioned graffiti indicates a gradual shift from spontaneous practices to institutional recognition of street art. The results contribute to a better understanding of public demand for the visual qualities of urban space and may inform the development of urban planning and cultural policies.