What is Public Art?
The bold initiative, Art in Municipal Places Ordinance, set aside 1% of City construction funds derived from the general obligation bond program and certain revenue bonds for the purchase or commission of works of art.
The Public Art Program is administered by a professional staff under the direction of the Mayor of the City of Albuquerque. A basic factor in art selection depends on the site for the artwork. Once the site is confirmed, a process begins to identify a work that is in harmony with its surroundings and also supports the community interest. The final decisions rest with a diverse committee charged with deciding how artworks can relate to the physical, social, cultural, and historical qualities of the community while maintaining a unique and powerful expression of artistic vision.
Additional aspects of the Albuquerque Public Art Program include the Albuquerque Cultural Plan, an adopted city plan that advocates for arts education, for opportunities for involvement in the arts, and for sustainable funding for arts and culture initiatives; the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, a public trust that supports a broad variety of arts, cultural projects and services, through a community application process; and a Collection Conservation Program that assures high quality care and maintenance of the works of art.
For more information about Public Art in Albuquerque, visit https://www.cabq.gov/culturalservices/public-art.
