Los Altos Public Art Master Plan

Los Altos, California

WHY

For more than 25 years, the City of Los Altos, in the heart of Silicon Valley, has boasted a thriving public art program. As of 2017, their collection featured more than 35 pieces that had either been purchased by the city or were part of the Sculpture on Loan program. The Arts Commission and Council at the time decided a Public Art Master Plan was necessary to further enhance their city’s identity and sense of place.

HOW

Because Los Altos is populated by highly tech-oriented residents, public engagement activities included a project website and an online survey, coupled with an open house and community discussion with a public artist who presented her method for creating site-specific work.

WHAT

The Los Altos Public Art Master Plan focused on developing funding strategies and conceptual projects and programs, as well as public art maintenance and gifting policies.