City of San José Public Art Program
The City of San José Office of Cultural Affairs manages the San José Public Art Program, which operates in accordance with Title 22 of the Municipal Code. Funds to support the Public Art Program are provided by municipal ordinance specifying that 2% of City capital improvement projects' budgets and 1% of certain eligible private development projects' budgets be set aside for the commission, purchase, and installation of artworks.
The San José Arts Commission, through its subcommittee, the Public Art Committee (PAC) oversees the Public Art Program. An advisory committee comprised of artists, arts and design professionals and urban planners, assists the PAC.
The San José Public Art Program strives to select artists versus specific artworks, so that each artwork that is added to the City’s collection is unique and specifically designed for its site. Community outreach is extensive and involvement is encouraged at all levels.
The Public Art Program has more than 40 public art projects underway at this time. A major emphasis is on neighborhood enhancement, with public artists working on branch libraries, parks, recreational and public safety facilities; a team of artists is developing an artwork plan for a complex system of city-wide trails; and artists are working with private developers to enhance retail, residential, and commercial projects.
The San José Public Art Program is one of a few select programs featured in the 2002 book, “Designing the World’s Best Public Art,” by Garrison Roots. The City’s artwork has been featured in Sunset Magazine, and in several regional publications.
