Public Art Curious is dedicated to demystifying the world of public art. We explore public art systems and contemporary issues through dialogue and investigation—breaking down barriers to understanding how art becomes part of our public spaces and inviting new voices into the conversation.

Drawing on over 20 years of experience in arts administration and public art consulting, this project offers insider perspectives, practical insights, and thoughtful analysis for artists, administrators, policymakers, and anyone curious about how public art really works.

What We Explore

Inside Public Art Systems

Gain insider knowledge of how public art really works. Break down the barriers to understanding how art happens in communities—the systems, structures, and decision-making processes that determine what we see in public spaces.

Contemporary Issues

Explore timely topics like emerging technologies, shifts in funding structures, equity in commissioning, and how the field is evolving to meet today's challenges.

Career Development

For those interested in going deeper, gain access to calls for artists, job listings, educational resources ranging from online learning to conferences, and professional support through one-on-one consultations and networking.

Subscribe

Subscribe to the Public Art Curious Substack to receive weekly posts and share comments with other curious people. Posts will showcase insider knowledge and current trends.

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Support the Project

The Substack is just the beginning. With your support, Public Art Curious will grow to include a variety of voices and different avenues to build greater understanding of the public art world.

Current support opportunities include becoming a Paid Subscriber or Founding Member for the Public Art Curious Substack. Paid members receive:

  • Everything free subscribers get (weekly posts), plus:

  • Two exclusive deep-dive opportunity posts per month (2nd and 4th Wednesdays)

  • Free or discounted access to upcoming events

  • Founder Members: Two annual one-on-one Zoom calls and first notification of events

Your support helps build a more transparent, accessible public art field where knowledge is shared freely and conversations happen openly.

Support and Subscribe

Public Art Curious is a project of PAW Arts, the public art consulting firm of Patricia Walsh. With over 20 years of experience in arts administration, including nine years managing the Public Art Network at Americans for the Arts, she works with organizations and communities on policy, evaluation, and capacity building. Start a conversation to learn how Patricia can help build understanding and implementation of public art in your community.