San Luis Obispo Adopts Public Art Master Plan

San Luis Obispo’s public art program will expand significantly over the next decade, according to the new San Luis Obispo Public Art Master Plan, reflecting the community’s desire to make public art a priority.

The city’s first art master plan, which was approved 5-0 by the council Tuesday, December 13, 2016 was developed during a year-long public engagement campaign and includes major goals that will serve as a roadmap for the present and future. In the first three years of the 10-year plan, the city will focus on preserving the 76 art pieces currently on display while launching an expansion of temporary art projects. Long-term goals include the possibility of creating city staff dedicated to public art, along with exploring creative partnerships and unique ways to increase funding for the program.

The city established a public art program in 1990 with a goal of procuring public art that is accessible and reflects the city’s culture and residents. To get a sense of the community’s current desires, the city received feedback from over 400 people, who participated in multiple public meetings, interviews, online surveys and community workshops.

Based on their input, the plan was devised to include five goals, which include celebrating public art; preserving existing public art; streamlining the process for public art to be integrated into private development; encouraging new art forms and exploring different staffing and community partnership models.

As for the types of art the public wanted, participants overwhelmingly supported adding murals to the city’s art collection. Modern, temporary and functional art were also favorably viewed.

The city’s existing art collection includes murals, mosaics, oil and watercolor paintings, sculptures and more. Take a virtual tour of the current collection here.

Designing Local led the year-long public engagement for the master plan.