Pima County 1% for Public Art Program
Art in public spaces, strengthening identity and inspiring progress.
Art that transforms everyday spaces into places of meaning.
Art is more than decoration—it’s the heartbeat of community. Since 1990, Pima County’s 1% for Public Art Program has transformed everyday spaces into vibrant cultural landmarks. By dedicating one percent of eligible capital improvement project budgets to public art, the County has ensured that roadways, libraries, parks, and bridges reflect the spirit and creativity of the people who live here.
This program is not only about beautifying public spaces; it’s about embedding identity, memory, and meaning into the places where we gather, travel, and live. Through murals, sculptures, integrated seating, and architectural enhancements, art becomes part of the daily rhythm of life—sparking conversation, pride, and belonging.
Administered in partnership with Art State Arizona, the program empowers artists and communities to shape their shared environment. From artist selection to design review, collaboration is at the heart of the process. And with over 140 permanent works already in place, Pima County’s public art collection continues to grow, thrive, and evolve as a living reflection of its people.
How the Program Works
At its core, the program integrates community voices and professional expertise into each project. The process begins with the formation of a Public Art Panel—a seven-member group made up of community representatives, artists, arts professionals, District appointees, and project stakeholders.
Together, the panel:
Approves site locations and project themes.
Publishes a Call to Artist through a national and local Request for Qualifications (RFQ).
Reviews applications and selects finalists for interviews.
Guides the selected artist through design, public review, technical assessments, and approvals.
Once a design is finalized, the artist moves into fabrication and installation—ensuring each artwork is seamlessly integrated into its environment. Transparency, accountability, and inclusivity guide every step of the process.
Guiding Public Art Documents:
Pima County Percent for Art Policy – Pima County Public Art Program Board of Supervisors Policy 3.3
Pima County Administrative Procedures – Pima County Public Art Administrative Procedures 3-16
Stewardship of the Collection
Public art doesn’t end with installation. Pima County is committed to maintaining its collection of more than 140 permanently sited artworks through active conservation. This includes routine inspections, restorative work, and preventative care, ensuring that these investments last for generations. Public art is treated as both cultural asset and community treasure, safeguarded for future residents to enjoy.
The Value of Public Art in Communities
Public art is more than visual impact—it’s social, cultural, and economic vitality made visible. It:
Creates a greater sense of identity and belonging.
Connects people to place and history.
Inspires creativity, innovation, and conversation.
Contributes to economic development, tourism, and sustainability.
Strengthens cultural understanding and social cohesion.
Promotes well-being and public health through beauty and shared experience.
In short, public art helps communities thrive. By investing in art, Pima County invests in its people, its spaces, and its future.
Public Call to Artist Process
Public art opportunities are open to all artists. Calls for submissions are published on CallForEntry.org, the SAACA newsletter, and Arizona artist opportunity platforms. Panel meetings are also open to the public, with meeting dates posted on this webpage.
To add yourself to the Public Art Email Notification List, register online below.
Call to Artist (OPEN): Suzanne Shields Pedestrian Bridge Public Art Project
In partnership with Pima County, Art State Arizona is seeking a qualified Public Artist or Artist Team to create a site-specific public artwork for the Suzanne Shields Pedestrian Bridge spanning the Santa Cruz River at Riverpark Drive and North Commerce Drive. This commission is funded through Pima County’s 1% for Public Art program, which integrates meaningful artworks into public infrastructure across the county.
This project invites artists to respond to the environmental, historical, and cultural significance of the Santa Cruz River—a landscape shaped by movement, water, and community life for generations. The selected artist will design artwork integrated into the bridge’s structure or pedestrian experience, transforming the crossing into a meaningful civic landmark that reflects the river’s past, present, and future.
Artists are encouraged to explore concepts related to movement, ecology, resilience, and place, and may incorporate design elements that respond to light, shadow, seasonal change, or the experience of walking or cycling across the bridge. Potential artwork locations include the bridge truss structure or subtle interpretive elements within the pedestrian pathway, provided all designs meet structural, safety, and maintenance requirements.
The total all-inclusive budget must cover all costs associated with the project, including design, fabrication, engineering, transportation, and installation.
Budget: $142,692
Application: https://artist.callforentry.org/festivals_unique_info.php?ID=16303
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time
