Introduction:

Citizens and visitors prize Boise's strong sense of place. The distinctive public art installed in the City's downtown and neighborhoods is a key part of making our civic spaces unique. Continuing investment in a collection of site-specific artworks in public spaces -- some permanent and some temporary -- is essential to ongoing community development. In 2001 Boise City Council and Mayor passed a landmark  "Percent-for-Arts" ordinance, committing up to 1.4% of eligible municipal capital projects for public art. As we move forward with exciting new projects, it is important to reflect and redefine our vision for Boise.

Why have public art?

Public art invigorates residential and commercial zones, developing new places of beauty and interest. It provides an intangible but real extra dimension to daily life. Public art has the capacity to reveal insights about our natural surroundings, cultural history and community connections. It encourages private investment in civic spaces. Public art can help further the goals and objectives of City departments within capital projects, involving citizens in the design of civic buildings, plazas and parks. Boise's public art program can directly express what citizens feel is important and unique about Boise.

Public Art Program Components

Permanent Public Artworks

The Boise Visual Chronicle

Temporary Public Artworks

Education Outreach

Maintenance and Conservation