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1. What is Public Art?

The classic images evoked by the phrase ‘Public Art’ are usually of static bronze or monolithic stone structures. While these images of grand works of metal and stone have a well-established place in the artistic lexicon, they only encompass a portion of what is regarded as contemporary public art. As all artistic definitions expand, contract, and evolve over time, so has the contemporary view of public art.

Today, public art has moved beyond that of permanence and solidity, seeking to engage the community in a manner that, while not excluding the methods of the past, brings them to life as a part of the community. Contemporary public art is not merely an aspect of the landscape, but also explores ideas of personal and community engagement, the context and recontextualization of place, and it foments the exchange of ideas and identity within a community.

2. Who serves on the Public Art Commission?

The Ithaca Public Art Commission is made up of 7 city residents appointed by the Mayor for a term of 3 years. PAC members represent visual and public arts. Commission members meet monthly in an effort to advise individuals involved in Public Art projects within the city limits, as well as assisting with the overall process.

The Ithaca Public Art Commission works closely with the Community Arts Partnership (CAP), the Downtown Ithaca Alliance (DIA), and the City of Ithaca in an effort to fuse creativity, artwork, and design in our everyday lives and for the enrichment of our beautiful city. For more information, please see the links provided below:

• Community Arts Partnership Website
• Downtown Ithaca

3. How can I be involved in Ithaca’s Public Art scene?

Please contact us if you are contemplating a Public Art project or are already working on one. You should also contact us if you are an architect or a developer looking to incorporate art into a project, or an artist, public official, community leader, or educator with an idea.

4. How do I proceed?

Prepare a brief proposal of your concept, along with a short bio and any prior work samples, and email it to the Public Art Commission, to arrange a meeting.