This dissertation thesis aims to reflect on the current evolvement of public spaces and increasingly common discussions of the lay and professional public about its impact and importance for a democratic society. The main topic, "Autonomy of an artwork outside of the institutions of art", focuses on searching for the autonomy of artwork in public spaces in the context of how the artwork was placed there. The thesis describes specific artworks which were placed into the public space using different methods, such as art competition, no competition, as a gift, or in a way of temporary art. These methods are examined to find the degree of autonomy. The degree of autonomy of artworks in public spaces is determined based on the applied analysis which, among other things, focuses on how efficient the result is in comparison to the method of placement. The field research resulted in complex, subjective, sculptural and artistic opinion on the current practice of placement of artworks into public spaces. Such professional and relevant opinion was then presented to the responsible authorities which have a significant impact on the creation of public spaces. The author aims to apply the acquired knowledge in practice by offering his professional opinions for the new elaboration of the government strategic document called "Politika architektury a stavební kultury České republiky" (loosely translated as "Politics of Architecture and Building Culture of the Czech Republic"), which is created by Ministry of Regional Development of the Czech Republic. The main results of the thesis describe the efficient approaches which lead to cultivation of public spaces and the significant role of art in them. Such approaches were in the thesis demonstrated by civic influence on the government strategies or civic activism in a form of citizens' initiative called "Je to i tvoje město" (loosely translated as "The city is your too") which actively participates in the public debate in Jindřichův Hradec, town on the South of the Czech Republic.