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Public Art

Bike Trio public art Above image © Michael Brown & David Cole

Art in public places adds meaning, stories, beauty and identity to our public space. Our city’s Public Art program is well loved; citizens recognize value in the investment we make in art and the artistic community and appreciate efforts to transform non-descript streets and introduce vibrancy into the urban environment. More than two-thirds of the artists commissioned live in Boise—as a result our public art authentically reflects Boise’s local character, more tightly binding us to one another and to this place.


Quick Links

Guide to Public Art
Public Art Collections
Calls & Opportunities
Mural Guidelines
Care & Conservation
Public Art Walking Tours
Documents
20 Years of Public Art

Mission

The mission of Boise City’s Public Art Program is to support an enriched and thriving arts community through the integration of a diverse collection of works of art into public spaces in a manner that reflects the diversity, culture, and economic vitality of the City of Boise; and to provide related programming and education to expand the artist community and public’s knowledge and understanding of the arts and culture in relation to their surroundings. The Public Art Program mission aims to align with and expand upon the Department of Arts & History’s mission, “To cultivate a distinct sense of place which reflects Boise’s rich past, diverse communities, and unique natural setting.” 

Overview

“In 2001, the Boise City Council passed an ordinance directing that 1.2% of all capital project funds be set aside for the integration of public art into city facilities.” Through the Percent-for-Art program, a concept popularized in cities across the U.S., professionally produced murals, performances, sculptures, mosaics, installations, and more are systematically integrated into the Boise Airport, Boise WaterShed, Foothills Learning Center, branch libraries, fire stations, throughout the city’s magnificent parks, and integrated into the streetscapes throughout all areas of the City.

The Public Art Program Team facilitates project identification, artist selection and manages fabrication, installation, and maintenance of every piece. The public is involved in the process of creating the art—citizens serve on artist selection panels and offer public comment on artists’ proposals and in turn have a direct impact on the growth and development of the City. In addition to the sizable Percent-For-Art portfolio, the Public Art Program Team manages public art projects on behalf of Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC) and public, private and community organizations for original public art, all contributing to a unique sense of place and vibrancy in Idaho's capital city.

 

Public Art Collections


SITE-BASED INSTALLATIONS

Boise's remarkable and diverse collection of Public Art is valued at over $6.5 Million and is growing each year. To date, local artists are the primary focus and represent a majority of the collection. The works range in budget, lifespan, size and materials. Site-based installations feature a variety of artists from many locations, cultural and professional backgrounds.

Explore the Public Art collection

TRAFFIC BOXES

Boise’s pioneering and transformative Traffic Box project challenges emerging artists and established professionals to “wrap” the nondescript utilitarian devices that control our streetlights. In partnership with Ada County Highway District, Capitol City Development Corporation, the Neighborhood Associations and Planning and Development Services, A&H commissions illustrations, paintings, digitally designed images, quilts, mosaics, photographs and even photos of sculptures to add a vibrant and unexpected twist to the street corners and intersections of the City of Boise. Take a moment to look at our interactive map!

Explore the Traffic Box collection

BOISE VISUAL CHRONICLE (BVC)

The Boise Visual Chronicle (BVC) is a city-owned, interior collection of two and three-dimensional works of art ranging in media from paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures and other works which depict life in Boise, elements of the Boisean culture, and create narratives that reflect historic and contemporary values of Boise. The collection provides a rich visual document of Boise’s changing landscape, people and perspectives. The BVC also forms a unique portrait of the artistic vitality and evolving representations of artists in the region. With original funding from the Greater Boise Auditorium District and Capital City Development Corporation (CCDC), additional works are acquired or commissioned and funded by Boise City with the Percent-for-Art fund. Works from the collection are exhibited throughout City owned facilities including Boise City’s Library branches, Boise City Halls, and the Boise Airport. Every two years, the Public Art Program Team makes a coordinated effort to rotate the collection.

Explore the Boise Visual Chronicle

PORTABLE WORKS

The City’s Portable Works collection encompasses an array of works in various media: painting, mixed media, assemblage, sculpture, digital art, photography and printmaking. The Portable Works collection allows for flexibility in the acquisition process to accession works that do not fit the criteria of the Boise Visual Chronicle and allows for the addition of gifts, contemporary works, and works by artists outside of the Boise region. These original artworks are produced by emerging and established artists and are exhibited primarily in public areas of municipal buildings such as Boise City’s Libraries, Boise City Hall, and the Boise Airport. Every two years, the Public Art Program Team makes a coordinated effort to rotate the collection.

Explore the Portable Works collection

PUBLIC ART WALKING TOURS

Walking Boise's streets is probably one of the best ways to learn about the city's public art. But you can also explore Boise's public art collection online. Find your favorites!

Guided Tours

Join our Public Art Program Team every third Saturday during the months of May through October for a one-hour walking tour to explore the public art collection located throughout Boise. Public Art walking tours are free and open to the public, with registration required. Space is limited to 15 participants per tour. Learn more and register. 

Our Public Art Program Team is not currently offering school tours. For questions or other tour requests, please contact Lianna Hamby. 

Self-Guided Tours

You may also enjoy a self-guided tour of Boise's public art collection using our interactive map or by downloading a public art brochure. You may also request one or the series at artsandhistory@cityofboise.org. 

Online Collections

Partnerships with talented artists, historians and hundreds of passionate citizens help build the remarkable Collections under the curation and care of the City of Boise. It’s never been so easy to browse and search the City’s growing collection of public art. Browse the Collections online!

BE PART OF THE ACTION


INQUIRE

Staff of the Public Art Program will always make time to discuss questions, concerns and comments regarding projects, process and ideas. Please contact Stephanie Johnson.

APPLY FOR PROJECTS

The program hosts a variety of types and levels of projects with offerings that cater to both emerging level artists and well-established artists working in the public realm. Visit our Opportunities page to learn more about current projects.

COMMISSION ARTISTS

Private developers are encouraged to commission and fund artists to create and install public art within new construction projects or on privately owned property. Collectors, philanthropists, and developers seeking to connect with Boise artists, please contact Stephanie Johnson for consultation or direction.

REPORT VANDALISM

Notice a sticker or tag on a public artwork? Please notify Alaggio Laurino, Cultural Assets Program Assistant, so we may quickly remedy the damage.

SCHEDULE A TOUR

We offer monthly Public Art Walking Tours of the downtown area from April through October, but we are also happy to provide private tours to schools, organizations, and other groups. If you'd like to schedule a tour, please contact us.