
Supporting innovative temporary public art projects that enhance the vibrancy of cities.
Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Public Art Challenge encourages mayors to partner with artists, elevating the value of including the creative sector when developing solutions to significant urban issues. The program supports temporary public art projects that celebrate creativity, enhance urban identity, encourage public-private collaborations, and strengthen local economies.
Over 600 cities have applied to the three challenges, where mayors of U.S. cities with 30,000 residents or more submit proposals for projects that demonstrate close partnership between artists, arts organizations and city government, with selected cities receiving up to $1 million each.
Announced in June 2023, the 17 finalists for the latest round of the Public Art Challenge are: Alameda, CA; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; Honolulu, HI; Houston, TX; Miami, FL; Minneapolis, MN; Nashville, TN; New Orleans, LA; Orlando, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Raleigh, NC; Salt Lake City, UT; and San Diego, CA. The finalists were selected from 154 cities who applied across 40 states.
Up to 10 winners will be selected and announced in Fall 2023 to execute their projects over the next two years.