Urbana Public Arts Program

Recognizing the arts as essential to the vitality of our city

The Urbana Public Arts Program and Commission was established by the City Council, in April 2008, to foster a city where all residents—emerging artists, established artists, and “non-artists” alike—may engage with the arts and where artists thrive and are valued.

The Arts, as used in this program, includes but is not limited to music, theatre, visual arts, dance, creative writing, film/video, crafts, performing arts, spoken word, environmental arts, multimedia arts, architectural arts, landscape architecture, and emerging media.

An Illinois Arts Friendly Community, designated by the Illinois Arts Alliance and Illinois Municipal League in 2008. Through public support for the arts, the City of Urbana increases opportunities for the creation of art, thereby enhancing the quality of life, economic development, citizen participation, cultural awareness, and vibrancy of the community.

Arts Programs: For more information about our programs, click on the titles listed in the side bar to the left. Additionally, the Public Arts Program Plan for FY11-12 can be viewed here: FY11-12 Program Plan

Stay Informed

E-mail Announcement List: Subscribe to our newsletter to receive e-mail updates on news, opportunities, and events.

Blog: For more in-depth features spotlighting projects of the Urbana Public Arts Program, check out our blog! Content includes interviews with Urbana Arts Grant Project recipients, permanent public art projects, and more!

Social Media: Follow regular program updates, events, and photos on Facebook at www.facebook.com/urbanapublicarts and on Twitter @urbanapublicart.

Urbana Public Arts Commission meetings: Unless otherwise noted, the Commission meets regularly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 4:30PM, in the City Council Chambers, at 400 S. Vine Street in Urbana.  All meetings are open to the public.  To receive an agenda, contact Christina McClelland, Public Arts Coordinator.

This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.