Public Art

Public art provides social, cultural and economic benefits to the community; enhances the quality of life of residents; and promotes tourism. The City maintains a public art collection and undertakes public art projects, programs, and activities as part of its operations. Public art is artwork that is owned by the City and located on City property to be viewed and enjoyed by the public, often as a form of collective community expression. 
 
 The City Commission adopted the Donor-Initiated Public Art Policy in the fall of 2021 and the application process was launched in January 2022. 

 The City's Donor-Initiated Public Art Application is for individuals and/or organizations who:

  • Wish to install donated artwork on City property, AND
  • Have applicant-specified criteria for the public art, such as location, artwork, artist or theme
All applicants must review the below City of Manhattan Donor-Initiated Public Art Policy prior to submitting an application. Applicants must submit an application complete with required attachments. As a condition of approval, the artist, donor and/or applicant must negotiate and execute a contract with the City to implement, complete and/or fund the proposal.

Application Process

Once a complete application is received, City staff has up to 30 days for technical feasibility review. If deemed technically feasible by City staff, applicable City Advisory Boards have up to 60 days from the date of application to review. The proposed project will be scheduled with the City Commission within 60 days of Advisory Board action. The City Commission may consider artistic factors when considering a proposed project. The City Commission has the full authority to approve or deny any project. You can access the Process Flowchart below. 


Contact Us

  1. City Manager's Office

    Kristen Dolf
    Assistant to the City Manager
    785-587-2404
    Email Kristen Dolf

APPLY HERE
POLICY
FLOWCHART