Texas Border Business
EL PASO, Texas—The El Paso City Council approved the 2024 Public Art Plan adding three new projects to the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department’s program.
The addition of the three new projects at the El Paso International Airport increases the allocation for the 2024 Public Art Master Plan. There are currently 26 public art projects in progress.
“Public art is not merely an aesthetic embellishment; it is a powerful catalyst for community engagement and cultural expression,” said Quality of Life Managing Director Ben Fyffe. “Beyond its visual appeal, public art serves as a powerful opportunity to re-enforce our identity and El Paso’s unique heritage.”
Recently completed public art projects include Pitz/Tlachko at the Chalio Acosta Sports Center, Pillars of the Community at Fire Station 36, Nopal! in the Children’s Area at the El Paso Public Library Main Branch, and Weatherscape at La Nube.
In addition to approving the 2024 Public Art Plan, the City Council received an update on completed public art projects and a breakdown of projects that are currently in progress.
Projects in progress include two public art works in the new Police Department Eastside Regional Command Center on Pebble Hills Boulevard.
About the Public Art Program
The Public Art Program is funded through a two percent set aside from the budgets of every capital improvement project within the City. Since it began in 2006, the Public Art Program has completed 91 projects. The program has worked with 383 artists, of which 78 percent are local artists.
The Public Art Program has worked with more than 175 local businesses, which have provided support services for the completion of the program projects. The program has received 15 National awards and has been featured in 18 National publications. The Public Art Program also established the Art Purchase Program which has 198 acquisitions to date.
For more information on the Public Art Program, visit www.epmcad.org/experience-art/public-art.
