Public art has been an increasingly visible part of Salisbury's life for more than twenty years – from thematic sculptures and colorfully painted utility boxes downtown; to murals downtown, in neighborhoods and along major arteries; to monumental sculptures in a gateway roundabout and a new downtown square. These projects have been a community effort. They have been initiated by organizations, institutions, businesses, communities and civic leaders, as well as the City itself. Many have been completed by artists from Salisbury or places nearby on the Eastern Shore.
These projects are a testament to Salisbury's remarkable pride, energy and creative resources. The City's creative life includes a vigorous program of monthly "3rd Friday" art walks and related events; the fine arts program at Salisbury University, with faculty, students, visiting artists and campus and downtown galleries; and an acclaimed folk festival each summer.
With all of this in mind – community interest, resources and an expanding palette of opportunity – the City determined that it should develop a strategy for public art and launched a public art masterplan in 2023.
The City's goals were straightforward:
Salisbury's Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and Public Art Committee (PAC) is the entry point for all community initiated pieces of art that are seeking site permission from the City and/or funding. To learn more, review the City's Public Art Masterplan and the Have a Public Art Idea?.