History of the Program

One of the first public art programs in the country, Miami-Dade Art in Public Places was established in 1973 with the passage of an ordinance allocating 1.5% of the capital cost of new county buildings for the purchase or commission of artworks. Art in Public Places is supported by a staff under the leadership of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and overseen by a citizens' Trust appointed by the Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners. The Trust receives recommendations on acquisitions and commissions from the Professional Advisory Committee, an independent group of professionals in the field of art, art history, public art, architecture, landscape architecture and architectural history. The Professional Advisory Committee is appointed by the Trust.

Since its inception, the Miami-Dade Art in Public Places Trust has acquired or commissioned over 1,000 works of art and gained international recognition as a leader in its field. Artworks are installed countywide at diverse sites including Miami International Airport, Metrorail and Metromover stations, PortMiami, Zoo Miami, Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, parks, fire stations, libraries, police stations, public housing developments, courthouses and community health centers.

For decades, the focus of the program has been on site-specific, collaborative projects that involve the thinking of artists, landscape architects, historians, engineers, and architects in a team approach. Creative problem-solving through innovative collaborations has resulted in projects that validate, define, and expand community identity.

The goals of the program are several: to enhance the artistic heritage of Miami-Dade County; to improve public spaces for residents and visitors; to increase public awareness and understanding of works of art; and to enhance the effectiveness of the buildings affected through creative collaborations. The Art in Public Places program has given Miami-Dade County national visibility in the arts and a leadership role in public programming. Through Art in Public Places, the County supports the development of a unique and vital civic environment.