Denver’s Public Art Program was established in 1988 as an Executive Order under Mayor Federico Peña. The order, enacted into Ordinance by Mayor Wellington E. Webb, directs that 1% of any capital improvement project over $1 million undertaken by the City be set aside for the inclusion of art in the design and construction of these projects. Over the past 20 years, the City has installed over 150 works of art under this program. These works, along with historic and donated works of art, make up the City’s Public Art Collection.
What's New!
URBAN ARTS FUND 2012
The purpose of the Denver Urban Arts Fund (UAF) is to prevent graffiti vandalism by generating positive, well-tended and active community gathering spaces, and by producing opportunities for young people to participate in diversionary art and leadership programs.
Programs funded by the UAF should focus on measurable outcomes related to the prevention of graffiti vandalism, and involve artists in building strong communities.
Each year the UAF provides funding (awards range from $500-$7500) for programs and projects that:
n help reclaim a graffiti hot spot and create a positive community space; and/or
n help create and increase youth access and exposure to positive and monitored alternatives and support systems, including positive arts opportunities.
Applications and instructions for 2012 UAF funds will be available on February 15, 2012. If you have questions in the meantime, you can email mary.valdez@denvergov.org or call 720-865-4313.
View the video of the Playing Apart performance!
Experience Denver's Public Art
Phonecasts:
Denver's Public Art Program is offering Public Art Phonecasts of our most popular artworks. From any phone, dial 1-877-336-2787 (1-877-DEN-ARTS) to hear short interviews with the artists talking about their works. More info on PhoneCasts...
NEW! Augmented Reality:
It might sound like science-fiction, but it's called Augmented Reality, and it's the addition of information to the world around you. Using a free program on your iPhone, Android or other smartphone, you can see public art points of interest as layers on top of the world you see. Find out more...