Today, Arlington is home to more than 70 permanent public art projects. These works are commissioned by the County to be integrated into various capital improvement projects, sponsored by developers as part of the site plan process, and initiated by communities. Arlington’s history of developer-initiated public art goes back to 1979 with the commission of Nancy Holt’s Dark Star Park in Rosslyn. Arlington Public Art has also hosted more than 40 temporary public art installations since 1987 and continues to partner with local arts organizations, artists, and community organizations to present interpretative projects, exhibitions, and more.
Arlington Public Art is a program of Arlington Cultural Affairs, a division of Arlington Economic Development, which delivers public activities and programs as Arlington Arts.