Florida cities have created robust public art programs to express their cities’ identities and boost engagement. The City of Sanford is one example.
“The public art program encourages community participation and interaction with art, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents, visitors and businesses,” said Lisa Holder, Chief Communications and Cultural Affairs Administrator.
Sanford’s program began in 2016. It includes a variety such as sculptures, murals and mosaics from local and nationally known artists placed in parks, streetscapes and public buildings. Sculptures are strategically placed to offer visual landmarks and points of interest that enhance public spaces. The City also has over 50 utility box art wraps.
In addition, the City has designated an official Mayor’s Gallery on the second floor of City Hall. They partnered with Seminole State College Center for Fine & Performing Arts to offer exhibit space to the art students. The City also recently designated a downtown outdoor gathering spot, Artisan Square, for sculpture and pop art. The City will use this space for rotating exhibits and art events.
Plans include more installations, expanded educational programming and increased community engagement efforts. “The Public Art Program in Sanford is a testament to the City’s commitment to culture, community and creativity, making it a vital part of the City’s identity and appeal,” Holder said.
The City has a volunteer public art board whose members have varied art backgrounds and experience. “Their knowledge of the art world truly makes the program successful,” Holder said.
When creating a public art program, ensure you involve other city departments, including public works and parks and recreation, on issues such as installations, lighting, landscaping and maintenance. Also, you should “determine who will be the staff liaison/public art manager,” Holder said. “It is an undertaking and must be done right.” Some cities hire part-time public art consultants or create public art positions.
For inspiration and best practices, look at successful public art programs in other cities, she suggests. “You, too, can establish a successful public art program that enhances the cultural landscape of your city and fosters a sense of community pride!”
City of DeLand: The City works with the Museum of Art – DeLand to manage the art for the DeLand Sculpture Walk. Sculptures are located throughout the City. The walk is free and open to the public year-round. The City’s popular Monarch butterfly sculptures are displayed. The sculptures are changed every two years. View the DeLand Sculpture Walk Brochure with map.
City of Dunedin: The City recently installed The Leland Chase Outdoor Gallery at a City wastewater plant. The Gallery is named for Lorraine Leland and Almira Chase in recognition of the impact they had on education and the history of Dunedin’s African-American community. As a tribute, the Gallery called for artists to provide artwork with the theme “celebrating diversity.” The artists whose works were selected were given a stipend of $100 per image. On the City website, each artist is listed along with the meaning of the images selected. For more information, click here.
City of Jacksonville Beach: The Public Art Committee, established to assist the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), is enhancing the downtown district with public art. Focused on executing a master art plan, the Committee aims to enrich the community through creative expression. The Committee has commissioned two murals and two sculptures.
City of Orlando: The Public Art Program has a collection of more than 900 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, tapestries and mixed media, which are displayed in City Hall and public buildings and throughout the City’s parks and neighborhood centers. Recently, a Big City Birds exhibit with 16-foot neon pigeons was temporarily installed as part of the DTOLive! art initiative.
The Terrace Gallery at City Hall has movable freestanding walls that can accommodate unique exhibitions. The Mayor’s Third Floor Gallery is dedicated to Central Florida artists. Both galleries are free and open to the public. The Garden House Gallery is in Harry P. Leu Gardens. A Public Art Advisory Board establishes a Public Art Master Plan, recommends specific projects and selects art as well as landscaping and architectural enhancements.
City of St. Augustine: As part of the City’s celebration of its 100-year relationship with its sister city, Avilés, Spain, the City held an outdoor painting event that featured an artist from Aviles as well as a local artist. Their work, along with the other participants, will be featured at a St. Johns County building.
City of Tallahassee. The Art in Public Places program was created more than 20 years ago. Since 1994, the City has contracted with the Council on Culture & Arts (COCA), the area’s designated arts agency, to manage and implement the Art in Public Places Program. COCA curates and installs rotating exhibits in the City Hall and Artport galleries. COCA also manages the City’s permanent art collection, which is displayed at City Hall and other public buildings as well as publicly accessible outdoor locations. The City offers resources to many other entities regarding public artworks.
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The Florida Association of Public Art Professionals is dedicated to the development, advocacy, promotion and education of the public art field in the State, as well as the promotion of national best practices in the administration of public art programs. It is open to any individuals interested in public art. The Association offers monthly news briefs, professional development via webinars and annual conference, professional networking and access to a Google group. For more information, go to floridapublicart.org. The Association also has a list of public art programs in Florida.
