For over two decades, the City of Austin Art in Public Places program has made it possible for talented artists of local and national renown to enhance public spaces throughout the city with works of art ranging from outdoor sculptures and murals to functional works integrated into architecture. Artists have successfully incorporated traditions, objects, and physical marks of community members to create cultural landmarks that have become cornerstones of community identity.

The City of Austin was the first municipality in Texas to make a commitment to include works of art in construction projects when it established the Art in Public Places program in 1985. By ordinance, 2% of budgets is allocated to commission or purchase art for public sites such as the airport, convention center, libraries, parks, police stations, recreation centers and streetscapes.

The Austin Arts Commission provides oversight and appoints a seven-member Art in Public Places Panel composed of respected local visual arts and design professionals to make program recommendations. The Art in Public Places Panel and staff work closely with project architects and city department and community representatives to ensure that the Art in Public Places Collection includes high quality works of art that represent the broad range of media, styles, and cultural sensibilities that contribute to Austin's distinctive ambiance. See and experience Art in Public Places for yourself!

Credits

This web site is partially funded by:

We would like to further recognize the City of Austin's Office of Internet Services for their expertise and commitment to this project.

people

• AIPP Staff
• City Council
• Art Commissioners
• AIPP Panelists