Cultural & Public Art Program

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About the Cultural & Public Art Program

The City of Durham’s Cultural and Public Art Program believes that Durham’s rich cultural heritage is an important part of what makes Durham’s neighborhoods thrive, attracts tourism and business development, and what brings the community closer together. The Program works to invest and create public art experiences – both downtown and in neighborhoods – that illuminate residents’ history, sparks reflection and dialogue, and enhances daily life.  

The program partners with the City’s resident advisory boards (Durham Cultural Advisory Board and Public Art Committee), manages the arts and cultural festivals grants, and develops adopted City initiatives. These initiatives include implementation of the City’s Strategic Plan and Sustainability Roadmap.  A goal of the Strategic Plan is to foster cohesive, engaged and diverse communities where residents have equitable access to community resources, and the opportunity for a high quality of life. Two initiatives were developed to realize this goal: utilize placemaking to facilitate natural interactions and invest in and create public art experiences.