About Scottsdale Public Art

Transforming Scottsdale Through Public Art

Scottsdale Public Art is a department of Scottsdale Arts, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that administers the city’s arts and cultural affairs through a City Council-approved agreement.

The mission of Scottsdale Public Art is to serve as a leader in defining art in the public realm through creative place-making, signature cultural events, exhibitions, and installations—contributing to the community’s creative, cultural, and economic vitality.

Scottsdale Public Art focuses on commissioning and maintaining large-scale permanent and temporary public art, curating exhibitions at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library, caring for, diversifying, and displaying the portable works collection, and implementing numerous public art events throughout the year, including Canal Convergence.

Since 1987, Scottsdale Public Art has managed the city’s public art program, which includes: 

  • The Art in Public Places public art program, using funds from the city’s capital projects.
  • The Art in Private Development public art program, guiding private developments inclusion of public art onto their property.
  • Care and management of the city’s Portable Works and Permanent Public Art Collections.
  • Exhibitions at Scottsdale Civic Center Library.
    Special programming including temporary public art projects and Cycle the Arts.
  • Canal Convergence, a 10-day temporary public art event every November.


Scottsdale Public Art 

In 1985, Scottsdale adopted a one percent for art ordinance and established Scottsdale Public Art to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Scottsdale Public Art seeks to integrate high-quality artwork into public spaces, reflecting and enhancing Scottsdale’s cultural and artistic identity. The program promotes a dynamic and inclusive vision of art in the public realm.

Scottsdale Public Art advocates for and facilitates the integration of artists’ work and ideas into the planning, design, and construction of community spaces. Public participation is encouraged throughout the process, from artist selection to artwork dedication, fostering a strong sense of shared ownership and civic pride. Scottsdale Public Art is a department of Scottsdale Arts, a private, nonprofit management organization that administers many of the arts and cultural affairs of the city of Scottsdale, Arizona.  


Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is home to a large residential community and serves as the primary resort destination in the Phoenix metro area. The city features a vibrant mix of specialty shopping, art galleries, recreational amenities, and numerous cultural and sporting events that contribute significantly to the region’s tourism industry. Residents from neighboring communities frequently visit Scottsdale to enjoy its retail centers, parks, libraries, and employment hubs. Scottsdale’s distinctive character and high-quality visual environment play a key role in supporting both its tourism economy and civic identity.

How does the city pay for public art?
What city ordinances provide the fund allocation for the public art program?
Does the city have a dedicated tax for public art?
What was the first public art piece commissioned by Scottsdale?