The City of Roanoke views arts and culture as integral to the community. By recognizing this potential of arts and culture to enhance quality of life, the City expects to increase tourism, support education and stimulate the economy. The City also recognizes public art as a tool to create livable cities, create a heightened sense of place and community identity, enliven the visual quality of public space and enrich the spirit and pride of its citizens.

The public art program in the City of Roanoke was established in 2002. City Council made several changes to a 1996 resolution establishing a Percent for Art Program and adopted guidelines. The Roanoke Arts Commission (RAC) was charged with the development of a detailed plan for public art to be adopted as part of the City’s comprehensive plan.

In 2003, the RAC hosted representatives from Arlington County, Virginia, to discuss the process used in the development of their Public Art Plan. Later in the year, an intern volunteered to research public art programs around the country. Her research demonstrated the need to hire a consultant. Then, in early 2004, City Council approved the hiring and Barney & Worth Inc. of Portland, Oregon, and Olympia, Washington, was chosen. Also participating in the process was a representative of the Regional Arts & Culture Council of Portland, Oregon, which boasts a long term and very successful public art program.

The RAC asked a fifteen member steering committee of citizens to guide the process. Through a series of four public workshops, numerous surveys and stakeholder interviews asked the community to dream about public art in the City of Roanoke. The consultants used this feedback to develop “Art for Everyone”: Roanoke Public Art Plan.

After suggested changes by the City of Roanoke Planning Commission were incorporated, Council adopted the plan in April 2006. In October 2006, a Public Art Coordinator was hired to oversee the implementation of the plan. Then in December 2006, Council passed the Public Art Policy, giving city staff and the RAC the authority to develop comprehensive guidelines outlining the implementation of the Public Art Program. This process is now underway, with the RAC hoping to unveil its first major project in 2008.

For more information contact:

Susan Jennings

Public Art Coordinator
Office of Economic Development
City of Roanoke
(450) 853-5652