Public Art is the manifestation of a community’s self-identity and a reflection of the value citizens place on their environment. A diverse collection of art in a city tells our stories, provides interest in neighborhoods, creates identity, establishes community presence, and reflects the many talents of artists. Public art should be incorporated into the fabric of our infrastructure, its presence clear in public spaces and neighborhoods. It can transform eyesores into amenities, enliven design, provide way finding, become a landmark, and create spaces and places where people want to visit and stay. Public art creates community dialogues and we should celebrate its role in providing that discourse.
Public Art is a city’s legacy that needs to be nurtured and cared for. Proper stewardship for the collection reflects that caring and commitment to quality.
In March of 2000, the City of Tacoma reinstated the Municipal Art Program that dedicates 1% of construction costs from public capital projects to the creation of public art.
The City of Tacoma’s public art collection is diverse and pieces can be found in virtually every neighborhood in Tacoma.
We encourage you to take a tour of some of the public art pieces you can find throughout Pierce County. Some of these pieces are part of the City of Tacoma’s public art collection. Launch Tacoma Online Public Art Tour
Is there public art in Pierce County that you would like to see added to the Public Art Tour? All you need to do is fill out and submit the Public Art Tour Submission Form (word document).
Please visit the Resource Library for more downloadable documents related to public art.