The Big Art Directory

Public art & artist programs

Explore documented public art commissions, exhibitions, artist rosters, grants and residencies. Compare selection routes and follow the original program sources.

Browse organizations & municipalities ↗

A documented program is not a current invitation to apply. Selection routes and program history reflect the linked dated sources. Confirm current availability, eligibility and application terms with the organizer.

Showing 73–96 of 322 results

Public art commissions

Brookings Dedicated Public Art Fund ↗

City of Brookings — Brookings Public Arts Commission · Brookings, South Dakota, US

Documented selection route
The commission advises public-project sites and professional-artist selection, reviews design development and approves final design before fabrication plus artwork, installation procedures and maintenance plans before installation. The published guidelines describe acquisition and project approval responsibilities.
Source checked
2026-10-28
Representative organizer image for Cambridge Percent-for-Art Program
Representative organizer imageImage: harriesheder.com ↗Project-page photo credits: Chris Barnes & Harries/Héder; exact photographer of this detail is not separately identified. (as credited at source)
Public art commissions

Cambridge Percent-for-Art Program ↗

Cambridge Arts — Public Art Program · Cambridge, Massachusetts, US

Documented selection route
The Public Art Commission chooses a project-specific selection method. The published examples use an art jury to shortlist registry artists, followed by a site committee interview, or paid site-specific proposals reviewed by that committee. Registry submissions are accepted throughout the year.
Source checked
2026-10-27
Representative organizer image for Canal Convergence
Representative organizer imageImage: experiencescottsdale.com ↗© 2026 Experience Scottsdale • All rights reserved (as credited at source)
Temporary public art

Canal Convergence ↗

Scottsdale Arts — Scottsdale Public Art · Scottsdale, Arizona, US

Documented selection route
Proposals for new or existing temporary artwork, including concept, technical details and budget.
Source checked
2026-09-21

Program context: Canal Convergence can consider an existing installation · Prepare for the next festival cycle from the published brief

Representative organizer image for Cedar Rapids public art program
Representative organizer imageImage: albertpaley.com ↗Copyright © Paley Studios 2026 - All rights reserved (as credited at source)
Public art commissions

Cedar Rapids public art program ↗

City of Cedar Rapids — Public Art Commission · Cedar Rapids, Iowa, US

Documented selection route
The city offers an artist contact list for later calls. A public-art application requests prior work or a resume, artwork and site images, and property-owner permission for commission review; this approval process is separate from paid artist procurement.
Source checked
2026-10-28
Public art commission

Central Bank Center Public Art ↗

LexArts · Lexington, Kentucky, US

Documented selection route
National qualifications call in partnership with Central Bank Center.
Source checked
2026-09-21

Program context: A national qualifications route for a civic façade

Public art commissions

Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Public Art ↗

Arts & Science Council — Charlotte and Mecklenburg County Public Art · Charlotte, North Carolina, US

Documented selection route
RFQs; artist selection panels and Public Art Commission review; historical Spirit Square call used SlideRoom.
Source checked
2026-09-21

Program context: An administrator connects artists with city and county projects · A public-art portfolio needs project evidence · Collaboration and public use belong in the artistic approach

Public art commissions

Chicago Public Art Program ↗

City of Chicago — Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events · Chicago, Illinois, US

Documented selection route
CaFÉ qualifications reviewed by a project advisory panel; up to four finalists per site receive a paid proposal invitation.
Source checked
2026-09-21

Program context: The portfolio stage precedes paid concept development · Large airport budgets include delivery obligations · Different airport sites need different physical solutions

Representative organizer image for City of New Orleans public art commissions
Representative organizer imageImage: artsneworleans.org ↗
Public art commissions

City of New Orleans public art commissions ↗

Arts New Orleans · New Orleans, Louisiana, US

Documented selection route
The reviewed Water Connects Us commission uses an RFQ followed by paid proposals from three finalists.
Source checked
2026-09-21

Program context: Water Connects Us uses staged selection · Resolve the RFQ budget conflict before pricing · The organizer retains long-term maintenance costs

Representative organizer image for CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour
Representative organizer imageImage: cityartmankato.com ↗Copyright © 2026 CityArt Mankato. All Rights Reserved. (as credited at source)
Rotating sculpture exhibition

CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour ↗

Twin Rivers Council for the Arts — CityArt Walking Sculpture Tour · Mankato, Minnesota, US

Documented selection route
The CityArt Committee jury reviews artistic merit, creativity, safety and outdoor durability. The 2027–28 call used online entries and explicitly closed applications; the standing program remains an annual research target.
Source checked
2026-10-27
Public art commissions

Clark County public art program ↗

Clark County Public Arts Office · Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Documented selection route
The county publishes project and gallery applications through its linked Submittable index. Selection, residency obligations and eligibility differ by listing; the current Wetlands residency requires county residency and age 18 or older. Gallery exhibitions and musician rosters are separate activities.
Source checked
2026-10-28