Tempe public art plan emphasizes equity, artist pathways and integration into infrastructure

City arts staff and consultant Josh Lapp of Designing Local presented an updated public art plan at the Feb. 12 Tempe City Council work study that, officials said, seeks to distribute public art more equitably, support artists’ careers and integrate artworks into streetscapes, parks and development projects.

"98.4% of residents are within a 20 minute walk of public art in Tempe," Lapp said, citing the plan’s inventory and mapping work. Lapp described an engagement process that reached roughly 1,800 people and produced priorities emphasizing local identity, interactive installations, equitable geographic distribution and artist mentorship.

Staff recommended several objectives including: strengthening Tempe’s sense of place through art integrated into infrastructure and trails; expanding the Art in Private Development (AIPD) program to apply to mixed‑use buildings and provide developer guidance or incentives; formalizing internal procedures and annual work plans; and increasing conservation and maintenance funding for the existing collection.

Council members praised recent utility‑box and neighborhood projects, asked about incentives to require or encourage developers to include art on site, and urged broader engagement with ASU, K‑12 schools and neighborhood associations. Staff said they will pursue workshops, outreach to HOAs and training for developers to support stronger AIPD projects and artist pathways. No formal council action was taken during the work study.