City Government

Edmonton’s Public Art

This stylized pyramid near the Muttart Conservatory pyramids is an example of the City of Edmonton's public art.

Public art increases the livability and attractiveness of Edmonton. It takes many forms.

It can be a painting hanging in a public building or a sculpture in a park. It can be an event, an installation of film, video, or sound or even a temporary installation in a public space.

If an artwork exists in the public realm and is free and accessible to all, then it is public art. It can be indoors or outdoors, integrated into the site or free-standing, or even functional, like a bench or a lamp post. Works can be permanent, short term or transitory.

The City of Edmonton adopted a percent for art policy in 1991 (revised in 2007). The policy allocates one per cent of the eligible construction budget of any accessible municipal project for art to be publicly displayed. This is a standard municipal practice across North America.

The Edmonton Arts Council administers the public art program on behalf of the City of Edmonton. Public art is chosen through a rigorous, juried selection process administered by the Edmonton Arts Council. Selected public artworks become part of Edmonton’s civic collection.

The City features art in numerous locations, including along the LRT system, as a way of engaging individuals with public space, art, and community and increasing their appreciation of the arts.

For more information about the City of Edmonton and public art, visit the Edmonton Arts Council’s public art program on their website.

For more information:

Carol Hurst

Corporate Communications
3rd Floor, City Hall
1 Sir Winston Churchill Square
T5J 2R7

Title	Senior Communications Advisor
Telephone	780-496-8266
Email	carol.hurst@edmonton.ca