The development of the city's public art ordinance is in direct response to both the ‘Visioning
2010’ and the Delray Beach Master Plan charettes. In each, a well-defined
public art component was requested from and for our community.
Public art created by the funds allocated through
the ordinance will:
(1) Vitalize our city’s
visual signature.
(2) Advance our community's unique ambiance.
(3) Attract
national attention.
(4) Reveal both
the historic and contemporary personality of our community.
(5) Celebrate
the diversity and heritage of our city.
(6) Strengthen
Delray Beach as a tourist destination.
(7) Increase
our city's appeal as a place for new business relocation.
(8) Enliven
and expand arts education and cultural interaction within our community.
(9) Create
a visual history of who we are as a people.
(10) Heighten
civic identity and pride.
Hundreds of cities across the United States and innumerable cities in Europe
and Asia have adopted public art programs to enhance their appearance, to create a sense of place, and contribute to the overall
viability, livability and memorability of their communities. Public art has become
an EXPECTED part of a city’s growth. It will help Delray Beach keep its
charm and remain competitive as a tourist destination and a place to live.
The Delray Beach Public Art Ordinance is modeled after other successful public
art programs adopted in cities such as Seattle, New York, Santa Monica, Tampa, St Petersburg, Sarasota and Miami.
Professional artists will create and integrate exciting public art projects
into the fabric of our community. Working with city staff and neighborhood
residents, appointed selection panels will purchase new sculptures, murals or many attributes of buildings, streetscapes or
plazas including artist-made gates, fountains, kiosks, plazas, benches, gardens and walkways.
Walking our city will continue to be a delight for residents and visitors in the years to come.
