The article continues the series of publications on the topic of public art. It looks at some trends of Russian art life of the last two decades; the key subject is contemporary art. The article presents the most vivid examples of social activity of contemporary Russian artists associated with collective projects and art festivals. Also it makes a comparative analysis of the Western public art and its analogies in Russia. It analyzes the reaction of the domestic public to contemporary art, the interactions of the artists and society. The author focuses on public art projects in St. Petersburg, Moscow and Perm, highlighting the most typical, in his view, names and events. The final conclusions of the article are connected with analysis of the possibility of development in Russia distinctive forms and methods of public art. Refs 4. Figs 8.