Administering Public Art Programs in Arizona's Cities and Towns: Development, Operation, and Promotion

Abstract

This article contributes to our understanding public art at the local level by providing analysis of local government public art programs. A survey was conducted with cities and towns in Arizona that have public art programs. The article begins by defining public art and explaining how government funding for public art began in the United States. Next, it highlights the benefits of public art. Public art program funding sources, budgets, maintenance, personnel, and promotion techniques are discussed for the cities/towns surveyed. Last, recommendations are provided for cities/towns seeking to create or expand their public art programs.

Keywords:

• Arizona
• local government programs
• public art

Notes

1. Squaw Peak was renamed Piestewa Peak in 2003 after a fallen soldier in the Iraq War who was Hopi-Hispanic and mother of two children.

2. A total of 26 cities and towns in Arizona were surveyed and/or interviewed. The research took place from the fall of 2009 to the spring of 2010.

3. The total is just over 100% due to rounding up the numbers.

4. Sedona is included as a smaller city. It has a population of 10,192, just slightly over the 10,000 cut-off. Its characteristics fit more with smaller cities than mid-sized cities.