Public art is most commonly associated with a sculpture or painting in areas accessible or visible to the public, but it goes well beyond those media. Terrazzo floors, etched glass, ceiling panels, textiles, stair railings, risers, pavers, planters, landscape, fences, and grates are just some of the possibilities for public art contributions to public spaces. The possibilities are as vast as the imaginations of the artists and architects who create them. 

Skip ahead to our Public Art 101 section to learn more about getting started in the field of creating public artworks in Utah.

The UA&M Public Art Program assists and coordinates public art projects with local communities statewide. There are over 300 public art projects that have been installed statewide. Learn more through the following links. 

Ever wondered how public artwork, such as a massive mural or a park sculpture, actually comes to life in Utah?

Whether you're an emerging or experienced artist, a community member, or simply curious about how public art comes to be, we have resources to learn and engage in the public art process.

• Public Art 101 Panel Recording
• Step-by-Step Project Guide
  • Public Art 101, printable reference one-pager
• Best Practices 
• Glossary (Important Terms)
• Find Public Art Opportunities

Discover the fundamentals of public art in the recorded session below, which took place in October 2025. This panel offers a step-by-step overview of the public art process for Utah art agencies, including how projects are developed, how artists are selected, and what it takes to bring a creative vision to life in a public space. Hear directly from the experts who make it happen.

This panel is moderated by veteran artists in the public art space, Tooza Design, and includes public art leaders:

• Hannah Nielsen, Utah Division of Arts & Museums 
• Amy Childress, Salt Lake City Public Art Program
• Kate Ithurralde, Salt Lake County Art in Public Places

Please note: Views from outside partners do not necessarily reflect views of UA&M.

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Here are the basic steps for a public art project managed by our Utah Public Art Program. 

Need a quick reference guide? Download the Public Art 101 one-pager. 

1. The Utah Public Art Program receives notification of an eligible project from the Utah Division of Facilities Construction and Management.
2. The Public Art Program assembles a selection committee composed of architects, primary users, and visual arts specialists. Note: The Utah Public Art Program is not represented as a voting member in these selections. The program solely facilitates the logistical requirements of the selection process.
3. The Utah Public Art Program and the Selection Committee create a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that includes project scope, community details, and eligibility. 
4. The RFQ is announced online, and interested artists submit their initial applications.
5. The Selection Committee completes an online jurying process to determine a short-listed group of finalists.
6. Finalists are provided with a small honorarium to develop a full proposal.
7. Finalists present their proposals in-person to the Selection Committee, who then determine the final artwork to be commissioned.
8. Contracts are developed with the selected artist and fabrication begins!
9. Utah Public Art Program helps facilitate and monitor the development and completion process of the final artwork.
10. Final artwork is finished. Artwork has been delivered in full, and the project is complete.

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When applying for a public art project, follow these tips and tricks.

You can also download the Public Art 101 one-pager as a quick reference guide.

Application

• Read the RFQ/RFP carefully to thoroughly understand project requirements and eligibility
• Attend pre-proposal meetings if available
• Align your statement of interest with the goals outlined in the RFP/RFQ
• Proofread and spell-check all submitted materials
• Ensure sample images are high-quality, clear, and well-lit
• Be strategic when selecting portfolio images

Presentation

• Include concept sketches, renderings, or digital mock-ups
• Show your concept in context (site integrations, scale comparisons)
• Offer specific options or variations on your main proposal
• Practice your presentation with non-artistic friends or family
• Show your process in your presentation
• Demonstrate consideration and knowledge of the location and community for the art

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Not sure you understand the jargon? Find common terms below. 

• Art Design Board: A governing or advisory body that oversees public art projects, reviews proposals, and ensures alignment with community values and city policies. Utilized by the Salt Lake City Arts Council Public Art Program. 
• Art Selection Committee: A unique group of stakeholders, arts professionals, and community representatives assembled to review and select artists or designs for a specific public art project. Utilized by the Utah Public Art Program and the Salt Lake County Art in Public Places Program.
• Percent-for-Art: A funding policy that designates a small percentage (often 1%) of public construction budgets to be used for commissioning public artworks.
• Primary User: A common term to describe individuals who will be habitually utilizing a building or facility, who may be considered the main community group for an art project.
• Request for Proposals (RFP): A formal document issued to invite artists to submit detailed proposals for a specific public art project, often including design concepts and budgets.
• Request for Qualifications (RFQ): A call for artists to submit their professional experience, portfolios, and capabilities to be considered for a public art project. Similar to submitting a résumé to a job opening. 
• Site-Specific: Artwork designed to respond to and interact with the unique physical, cultural, or social context of the location where it is installed.
• Site Integration: Describes how an artwork would exist in context of the proposed artwork location.  
• Utah Public Art Program: Operated by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, the Utah Public Art program, also known as Utah’s Percent-for-Art program, utilizes a portion of construction costs for state buildings to commission, install, and maintain public artworks across Utah. Eligible buildings may include state-owned universities, courthouses, regional centers, etc. 

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There are many resources for public art opportunities. We encourage you to sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Our Public Art Opportunities webpage is also a great resource. Remember, each agency has their own unique process.

Here are some helpful links to get you started.

• Salt Lake City Arts Council Public Art Program: Commissions exterior artwork within Salt Lake City boundaries.
• Salt Lake County Art in Public Places: Commissions artwork for county facilities within Salt Lake County boundaries.
• South Salt Lake Arts Council Mural Fest: Annual program that commissions artists to complete murals in South Salt Lake’s Creative Zone. 
• Park City Summit County Arts Council Public Art Program: Commissions artwork within Summit County. 
• Moab Arts: Facilitates public art projects within Moab, UT. Includes annual open proposals for public art projects. 
• Art Around the Corner Foundation: Facilitates rotating exterior sculpture loans in St. George, UT.
• Midvale Main Arts & Culture District: Operates an annual Los Muros on Main mural program, as well as the Midvale Main Art House.

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