Aspen's Public Art Plan
Consultation has concluded
The Public Art Plan survey is now closed. To share additional thoughts please see the "Guestbook" or "Ideas" tabs below, or contact Sarah Roy at sarah.roy@aspen.gov.
Project Overview
Aspen has embarked on a planning process to help define Aspen's first ever Public Art Plan. Over the next several months, we will host community conversations and ask for input and feedback to help shape the future of public art in Aspen. A plan will include a vision, goals, and best practices for incorporating art into our public spaces. Please see our "Key Dates" listed on this page to track progress.
What is Public Art?
Public art serves a unique role in our communities. It is accessible for all, free of charge, can provoke discussion, create memorable spaces, celebrate our cultural heritage and history, and connect communities. Public art provides a platform for artists, creative expression, and engaging experiences.
Public Art in Aspen
Although Aspen has some artwork in the public realm, the City doesn’t have a formal public art program. Over the past few years, growing interest in creating a public art program in Aspen has been expressed by community members and organizations. Aspen deserves a unique, exciting and aspirational public art program that reflects its community, forges new lines of connectedness, and celebrates the vibrant arts and culture of Aspen. We want to hear from you to help develop this new plan for public art.
How can you get involved?
Community engagement is key to this planning process. We want to hear from you!
Here are a few ways to share your input:
● Visit this page frequently for updates on the process and new ways to make your voice heard.
● Join a focus group! Email aspen.art@aspen.gov to get involved.
● Participate in the activities, surveys and polls on this site.
Find us at Public Art Engagement events:
- June 25th : Pavement Art: A Community-Driven Public Art Project in Downtown Aspen
- August 9th: Public Art Community Conversation at the Aspen Public Library from 5-7 pm
- September 20th: Public Art Community Conversation at the Aspen Art Museum from 4-6 pm
PRESENTATION AND EVENT APPEARANCESAspen Public Radio Lawn Bash, June 28Commercial Core and Lodging Committee, July 19Red Brick Center for the Arts gallery reception, July 20Aspen Chamber and Resort Association Board Meeting, July 25Mid Summer Cultural Celebration at the Red Brick, August 3City Council Community Picnic, August 17Rotary Club, August 24Saturday Market, September 9Wheeler Opera House Board, September 13
Open Space and Trails Board, September 28
If you would like for us to present to your organization or event, please contact Sarah at sarah.roy@aspen.gov
Our Pavement Art Event was a huge success! Thank you to Aspen Ideas Festival, the many City staff, and artist Chris Erikson for this collaboration.
Watch the Aspen Ideas Festival session we partnered with for our Pavement Art Project here!
Our Community Conversations event at the Aspen Public Library was an engaging, creative session. Thanks for joining us for Root Beer Floats and a deep dive into what Aspen’s public art program can be!
We wanted to express our gratitude to the Aspen Art Museum for granting us permission to use their exquisite rooftop café as a venue for our creative conversation on the future of Public Art in Aspen. At the beginning of the event, 8 local individuals showcased their favorite piece of public art, and after that, the attendees were divided into smaller groups to engage in discussions revolving around the following questions:
How can public art create more human connection?
Where in Aspen do you want to see art? Where should we avoid it?
What will Aspen be like in 20 years if the public art program is successful?
Toggle between guestbook and forum below to share your input.
The arts have played a defining role in Aspen over the years, and continue to be a pillar of our economy, character, and community essence. What three words would you want Aspen’s public art to reflect?
Consultation has concludedVideos
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This Pavement Art Event was a collaboration between the Aspen Ideas Festival, Red Brick Center for the Arts, and the City of Aspen. A huge thanks goes out to our artist Chris Erickson for designing this mural!
I want to know about public art in cities around the world.
Can the City incentivize the landlords who own buildings with fading murals to repair and maintain them?
Celebrate who we are.
Sophistication
Timelessness
Elegance
I recommend opening these projects to all artists living in Aspen AND Pitkin County. This will raise the quality of the Artist pool and support artists encountering the same economic challenges as Aspen artists alone. Thanks!
Hi Art Planners,
I have 2 suggestions…
Put together a professional board of artists, art administrators and non-profit arts board members to head up a public art committee. Aspen is a highly sophisticated arts community and these people are available. I throw my hat into the ring as one of the only artists to have been a public artist for over 25 years who lovers in Pitco.
Secondly, the recent grants are excellent. Use this committee to award them. Also- why not allow artists living in rural Pitco to also apply? The pool will be larger and you’ll draw more submissions.
Don’t hesitate to contact me. 970) 948-1414
Vibrancy, community and accessibility