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Public Art

The Civic Arts Program produces public art on display throughout the city to enhance the quality of life for Berkeley’s residents and visitors. Enjoy public art on display throughout the city.

Colorful collage of people and places in Berkeley
Romare Bearden, The City and its People, 1973, mixed media photo collage and acrylic on masonite and wood. City of Berkeley’s Public Art Collection.

The Civic Arts Program strives to strengthen the community’s sense of belonging and connection by engaging artists to create works that bolster community, enhance the built environment, and reflect the unique character of our city. 

The Civic Arts Program works with artists to produce a range of permanent and temporary public art projects and exhibitions throughout Berkeley in parks, plazas, civic buildings, and other public spaces. The Program operates in accordance with Berkeley Municipal Code (BMC) Section 6.14 to provide opportunities for the placement of permanent and temporary site-specific public art projects in Berkeley’s public spaces. Additionally, the Program oversees the implementation of the Public Art on Private Development Ordinance, a requirement that public art be included in the development project, or satisfied through a contribution to the City’s public art fund.  The Civic Arts Commission reviews and advises the Civic Arts Program on artist selection and placement of public art throughout the City of Berkeley.

There are several places throughout the city of Berkeley where you can view public art.

Public Art Collection

Since its inception in 1967, Berkeley’s Civic Arts Program has acquired approximately 50 outdoor permanent public artworks, including works of sculpture, integrated design elements, mosaics, tile artworks, and painted murals. Also included in the City’s public art collection are over 50 small portable, and mostly framed, artworks such as drawings, etchings, paintings, textiles and prints currently displayed in City buildings. The public art collection continues to grow, commissioning new public artworks every year. 

You can view over 100 pieces of public art in outdoor spaces and indoor municipal buildings throughout the city. Explore the public art owned by the city in our digital collection.

Cube Space Gallery

Cube Space is located on the ground floor of the City’s Center Street Garage at 2010 Addison Street, and is viewable from the street twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week. 

Cube Space features rotating installations by Bay Area emerging and mid-career artists working in video, multi-media, and sculpture. Learn more about current and past installations on the Cube Space Gallery page.

Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza

The downtown Berkeley BART Plaza features rotating sound art installations. Visit the installation seven days a week from 7 AM to 10 PM.

Learn more about current and past installations on the Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza page.

Related Documents

Document
  • Public Art For The City of Berkeley (654.44 KB)
In this section
Civic Arts
  • Civic Arts Grants
  • Cultural Plans, Reports, and Studies
  • Public Art
    • Cube Space Gallery
    • Downtown Berkeley BART Plaza

News

Rainbow Study, Paper Collage, 12” x 12”, artwork and photo by Sonia Gill

Artists, festivals, arts organizations invited to apply for grants by March 2023

Maudelle Shirek Building across Civic Center Park

Give feedback on designs for Civic Center buildings, park, streets

Aquatic Park with rower in the water

Artists sought for two public art projects at Aquatic Park

 design for key Civic Center buildings and park

Help finalize the design for key Civic Center buildings, park

More News
Civic Arts Program
Email: civicarts@cityofberkeley.info
Phone: (510) 981-7539

Related BMC

  • VISUAL ART IN PUBLIC PLACES

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