The City of Albuquerque's Public Art Program, one of the oldest in the country, began in 1978, with the passage of the Art in Municipal Places Ordinance. This bold initiative set aside 1% of City construction funds derived from the general obligation bond program and certain revenue bonds for the purchase or commission of works of art.

The Public Art Program is administered by a professional staff under the direction of the Mayor of the City of Albuquerque. A basic factor in art selection depends on the site for the artwork. Once the site is confirmed, a process begins to identify a work that is in harmony with its surroundings and also supports the community interest. The final decisions rest with a diverse committee charged with deciding how artworks can relate to the physical, social, cultural, and historical qualities of the community while maintaining a unique and powerful expression of artistic vision.

The great success of this process is the resulting Public Art Collection. These fine works can be seen from the Albuquerque International Sunport to the Sandia foothills and the Western edge of the city limits, with concentrations in the Downtown district, and in the University/Nob Hill and historic Old Town areas. In a city where the natural beauty of the sky, the Rio Grande, the volcanoes, and the Sandia Mountains can enchant and even dazzle, the Public Art Collection finds its strength and beauty in reflecting the spirit, diversity, and creativity of the people who live here.

Additional aspects of the Albuquerque Public Art Program include the Albuquerque Cultural Plan, an adopted city plan that advocates for arts education, for opportunities for involvement in the arts, and for sustainable funding for arts and culture initiatives; the Urban Enhancement Trust Fund, a public trust that supports a broad variety of arts, cultural projects and services, through a community application process; and a Collection Conservation Program that assures high quality care and maintenance of the works of art.

So! Look at some examples of art to be found in the city and learn about our governing ordinances and guidelines. We will be adding to the art and information you can find online. Don't forget to check our links to other state and regional art programs.