Public Art

At the Arts and Humanities Council, we believe that the arts are integral to our lives, inlcuding the environment in which we live. Through public art projects, we strive to help create vibrant and attractive communities for all to enjoy. 

The Trust is responsible for overseeing and commissioning public art located on County owned property. Its mission is to build and inspire communities through placemaking and to nurture artists engaged in public art.

A basic definition of public art is art that is exposed in a public space, either an outdoor location or in a publicly accessible building. More broadly, it is artwork located in public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it is acquired through public or private funding. These may be permanent or temporary physical works of art visible to the general public, whether part of a building or free-standing.

Examples of public art include, but are not limited to: original sculpture, mural, fresco, mobile, collage, electronic art, video art, engraving, carving, mosaic, bas-relief, tapestry, photograph, drawing, or earthwork created by an artist or artists. In addition to traditional fine art forms, public art may also include (but is not limited to) artist-designed architectural components; lighting or lighting effects; artist-designed street furniture, paving and paving patterns, railings and signage, manhole covers, gates, gazebos, fountains, and play equipment.

To see some recent works completed in Montgomery County, please click here.