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PUBLIC ART
WHEREAS, public art is defined as the inclusion of artists in the design of public spaces and the
inclusion of artwork in civic spaces; and
WHEREAS, public art can be traced to such ancient examples as the pyramids of Egypt or the
Colossus of Rhodes; and
WHEREAS, public art in the United States includes some of the nation's most cherished images
and symbols, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Lincoln Memorial; and
WHEREAS, the federal government has supported public art through programs such as the
WPA during the New Deal as well as the current Art in Architecture program and the cultural
enhancements program of the Transportation Equity Act; and
WHEREAS, public art brings focus, importance, and cohesion to public places. It creates an
environment that attracts people, offering them insight, repose, delight, and a sense of destination.
Public art transforms spaces, giving them context and relevance, and inspiring civic pride and
community identity; and
WHEREAS, 46 out of the 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and Guam have at least
one public art program, and 132 cities across the country have public arts programs run by
municipal governments; and
WHEREAS, 26 new municipal public art programs have started nationwide in just the last two
years; and
WHEREAS, the most common funding structure of state and local public art programs is Percent
for Art legislation,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the United States Conference of Mayors
reaffirms the valuable contribution of local and state public art programs across the country in
making our cities more livable, beautiful, and unique.
©2003 U.S. Conference of Mayors | 
