1st Permanent Public Arts Program, Called Arts For All, Unveiled In Howard County

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The county's first permanent public art program, called Arts for All, has been unveiled. Artists will be commissioned to create permanent iconic public art installations located on county property and community spaces.

Now, the public has been asked to complete a survey to help choose the themes, types and locations for the public art displays. The survey will be open throughout the summer.

"Howard County is home to an unparalleled community of artists and local arts organizations that help shape the creative fabric of our county. Our commitment to the arts is a recognition that a vibrant community is defined by how our residents imagine, create and inspire others. Through a partnership with the Howard County Arts Council, the Arts for All program will commission iconic, permanent public art installations from a nationwide network of visual artists. These installations will serve as places to inspire, reflect, interact and encourage purpose," Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference.

Through an existing partnership with the Howard County Arts Council, Howard County currently participates in the annual ARTsites program, which places temporary public art installations at locations across the county. The new Arts for All program will go one step further by commissioning permanent public art installations from a nationwide network of artists.

"Today, with the announcement of Arts for All, we are taking public art in Howard County one step further. Public art brings cultural and social value to public parks and places by adding meaning and character to our public spaces. Each location is unique and has a story to tell -- and public art can tell that story by creating spaces that are inspiring, have a pulse or feeling, and reflect the sites’ history, aspirations and values," added Coleen West, executive director of the Howard County Arts Council.