Public Art Fund

The Public Art Fund is an independent, non-profit arts organization that began in 1977, founded by Doris C. Freedman. It works to bring contemporary art into public spaces across New York City. By placing art where many people can see it, the organization helps make art accessible to everyone.

Through various projects, the Public Art Fund supports artists by commissioning new works, creating installations, and organizing exhibitions. These projects appear in parks, streets, and other public areas, turning everyday places into places of wonder and thought.

The organization’s mission is to use art to bring people together and to make a positive impact on communities. Over the years, it has become known for its innovative approach, helping to shape how people experience art in their daily lives.

History

Public Art Fund was started in 1977 by Doris C. Freedman. She was an important leader in New York City and helped create rules to bring more art into public places. The group began when two smaller art groups joined together.

Public Art Fund works with artists to show their work in places where people walk and gather. This includes streets, parks, and famous spots like Times Square and Rockefeller Center. Over the years, they have helped more than 500 artists show their work in New York City’s five areas. Today, Susan K. Freedman leads the group, with Nicholas Baume as Director and Chief Curator.

Public Programs

Public Art Fund offers many programs besides showing art. One of these is called Public Art Fund Talks. It features discussions and presentations by important artists today. Another program, In the Public Realm, invites new artists to share their creative ideas for public art projects. Public Art Fund also publishes a magazine and exhibition catalog twice a year. This helps people learn about the group's work and successes.

Highlighted Public Projects in New York City

Public Art Fund has worked with many New York City places, like the Whitney Museum of American Art for the Whitney Biennial and Central Park. Some early shows included Agnes Denes’s Wheatfields for Manhattan in 1982 and David Hammons’ Higher Goals in 1986.

Later, the group made thought-provoking art, like Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s big sign and Barbara Kruger’s bus art. In 1997, they put up Ilya Kabakov’s huge red glove at a busy street corner.

Some newer projects include Olafur Eliasson’s waterfalls along the city’s edges in 2008, and in 2017, they celebrated 40 years with many artworks all around the city.