The Plan identifies and budgets public art projects citywide and coincides with the annual Capital Improvement Program budget each fiscal year, which begins on July 1. The Plan requires approval by the Arts and Culture Commission and City Council.
Public Art Plan
The department develops the Public Art Plan annually with input and assistance from the Mayor and City Council, city residents, artists, city departments that provide percent-for-art funding, and the Arts and Culture Commission.
Public art projects within the FY 2025-2030 Public Art Plan are prioritized based on opportunities to integrate artwork into individual Capital Improvement Program projects and their potential impact on the neighborhood and the broader arts community. Under these parameters, the FY 2025-2030 Public Art Plan focuses on the equitable distribution of funds, as allowable by the percent-for-art ordinance, and the diversification of the public art collection through broadening the types of project opportunities and continued outreach to new artists and arts organizations.
The Public Art Plan includes the following types of projects:
1. Design Teams: artists work with engineers, landscape architects, and architects to develop major construction projects, such as department facilities, freeway bridges, streetscape improvements, and airports.
2. Site-Specific Commissions: artists design and fabricate permanent artwork or enhancements to suit specific locations.
3. Temporary Commissions: Artists of all disciplines can create works or installations that can be viewed for a limited time at select public sites.
4. Purchase of Existing Artwork: Works are purchased and displayed as part of the city's permanent portable art collection, which began in 1915.
5. Master Planning: Short and long-range plans are developed to integrate art into multi-year public programs and initiatives.
6. Artwork Refurbishment: Existing artworks sometimes need significant repairs or retrofits to remain in good condition or adjust to changes to their original site. These modifications go beyond routine artwork maintenance activities.