Public Art Commission
At their October 11, 2022 meeting, City Council adopted a resolution to rename the Visual Arts Commission as the Public Art Commission.
Rain Art
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In March 2023 local artists were invited to create art that responds to the City’s Community Climate Action Plan, found at CityofCR.com/Climate. The designs will be applied to sidewalks with environmentally friendly, rain-activated, invisible spray. The art will become visible when the pavement gets wet and will last up to four months. Goals of this project are to:
- Build awareness of the Community Climate Action Plan
- Increase understanding of climate challenges facing Cedar Rapids residents
- Create surprise and delight with temporary public art installations
- Highlight local knowledge, community skills, and experiences to design and create temporary art
- Encourage emerging local artists to create art in the public realm
Volunteers have been busy installing and mapping Rain Art at bus stops around the City! Below is the crowd-sourced map created by our wonderful Day of Caring and Antioch Church volunteers. Volunteers did their best to map art accurately, but some locations may not be exact. **All rain art is installed on sidewalks near bus stops** (NO rain art is in streets).
The Public Art Plan utilizes input from residents and stakeholders to define a vision for the City’s public art program. The plan sets the framework to achieve these community goals. The plan's primary goal is to continue to enhance the artistic identity and cultural life in Cedar Rapids for its residents, businesses and visitors.
The City's first Public Art Plan was adopted by City Council on April 26, 2022:
About the Commission
The Public Art Commission exists to select and preserve visual art in public places for the public good. The Commission seeks to incorporate public art into various dimensions of city planning, encourages the efforts of local artists, and provides advice and assistance in the fielding of public arts competitions. By enhancing the vitality and identity of the community, the Commission strives to enhance the quality of life of those who live in or visit the city of Cedar Rapids. The Commission desires the involvement of the community in selecting, dedicating, preserving and in some cases financing the artwork.
General Meeting & Member Information
Meetings are held at 3:30 pm on the second Thursday of each month at City Hall, 101 First Street SE, unless otherwise announced.
The Public Art Commission is a nine member, Mayor-appointed commission, serving rotating three-year terms. Terms are indicated in parenthesis and expire on June 30 of the corresponding year.
Current Members
- M. Kayt Conrad (2024) - Chair
- Jonathan Berger (2023) - Vice Chair
- Anne Johnson (2023)
- Maria Moore (2023)
- John Soukup (2024)
- Julie Stow (2024)
- David Van Allen (2024)
- David Maier (2025)
- Elizabeth Rhoads Read (2025)
Explore Public Art in Cedar Rapids
If you are aware of any pieces of art accessible to the public that are missing from the map above, please contact CD-Plan@cedar-rapids.org to have them added.
NEW! Explore downtown public art with a self-guided mobile Art Tour
Downloadable Downtown Art Tour PDF
SCAVENGER HUNT PACKET
Click the button above to download your scavenger hunt packet. If you are stuck, visit the Clue & Answer Page for help!
DOWNLOAD BINGO GAME
Cedar Rapids Public Art BINGO
Enjoy our outdoor public art collection with this drive-by bingo game, created by resident Jana Madsen. The set includes four bingo boards, and a list of addresses where you can find the artworks.
Artist Contact List
Are you a local artist? Would you like to receive Calls for Artists from the City for public art projects?
Please send your name, number, and email to CD-Plan@cedar-rapids.org to be placed on our Artist Contact List.
Donating/Adopting Art
The City of Cedar Rapids welcomes gifts, but reserves the right to evaluate their appropriateness before accepting them. Applications may be sent to City Hall, 101 First Street SE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401 or emailed to the Community Development Department at cd-plan@cedar-rapids.org.
To help keep the community connected to public art, the City offers a program for residents to adopt art. For more information contact Community Development at 319-286-5041.
History Restored: The City Hall Murals
