Public Art

Public art or “placemaking” influences the way people see and connect with a place. Murals, sculpture, memorials, functional or landscaped architectural elements, community art projects, digital media, performances, and festivals all add value, providing opportunities for people to experience art—even for those have never set foot in a gallery, museum, or theater. Public art enhances the built environment, creates social connections, sparks economic investment, builds a distinctive sense of place, and supports cultural tourism. It can be a key attribute in making communities healthier and more vibrant.
The Arts Council is committed to placemaking through the Art in State Buildings and Animating Infrastructure Grant programs. Artists interested in being considered for commissions should visit the links to the corresponding programs above to learn more.
Vermont Public Art Map
Learn more about Council-supported public art projects around Vermont and plan your next trip to them with our interactive map. Find public installations of sculpture, visual art, kinetic art, and more across Vermont and get directions to them with a click.
Latest News
Public Art Graces Walls of Windsor Superior Courthouse | Arts Council Press Release, April 13, 2026
The Animating Infrastructure Grant In Action: Lighting Up Montpelier | Arts Council Feature, Feb. 24, 2026
New Public Art Commissions Awarded, Completed in Vermont | Arts Council Press Release, April 22, 2025
Stuck in Vermont: Hundreds March in Montpelier to Celebrate the Illumination of Seven Bridges | Seven Days, Nov. 28, 2024
Stuck in Vermont: Metal Sculptor Kat Clear Creates Public Art Flowers in Downtown Vergennes With Help From Welding Students at Northlands Job Corps | Seven Days, June 27, 2024
A Year in Reconnecting Communities Through Public Art | Arts Council Feature, Dec. 6, 2023
Vermont Arts Council Announces Grants for Public Art Projects Across the State | Arts Council Press Release, Dec. 4, 2023
For more information, please contact Michele Bailey.