City of Davis

About the Civic Arts Program

The goals of the Civic Arts program is to provide and support a wide variety of art and cultural opportunities and education. Staff provides analysis, development, and implementation of Civic Arts programs, supports the Civic Arts Commission, and undertakes special projects.

 

Arts Contracts

Climate Change Art Project
The City of Davis in conjunction with Yolo County is seeking an artist or collaborative team to design and fabricate an art work that addresses climate change or individual and/or community carbon footprint.

Now accepting applications for the 2009 Arts Contracts competition.
Applications for the 2009 City of Davis Art Contract Competition Program are now available. The program provides funds for a wide variety of community-based art programming and projects that foster art excellence, diversity, and vitality. This year's competition is now accepting applications until Monday November 17, 2008. Applicants selected for funding receive from $500 to $4,000. Awards are recommended by the Civic Arts Commission and approved by the City Council.

An optional applicant workshop will be held on Monday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, in downtown Davis, to assist potential applicants completing the application, answer general and specific questions, discuss the process and review criteria, and how to strengthen their application. This workshop will be helpful for potential new applicants, as well as for past applicants and recipients.

For arts contract guidelines and an application, call the Civic Arts Coordinator at (530) 758-3370, ext. 3, or download them here: [MS Word Document] or [PDF Format].

 

Art In Public Places Program

Since 1973, the City has set aside 1% of all funds allocated for Capital Improvement Projects to purchase art that enhances the quality of the Davis environment. The artists selected through this program represent a diversity of style and media. Sculpture, murals, paintings, tile work, and functional pieces are located around the city for your enjoyment.

Public Art Walking Tour and Gallery Guide

An attractive guide to public art and galleries is available. The guide provides information on public art around Davis and descriptions of non-profit and for-profit galleries. The guide can be found at city offices and most art galleries.

 

Civic Arts Commission Support

The Civic Arts Commission advises the City Council on all matters relating to art and culture in the community, and selects art in to included in the city's art in public places collection. The commission encourages programs and methods that support creative activities to the highest standards, as well as increase public understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of a variety of art forms.

 

Annual Juried Art Show

The City of Davis has contracted with the Pence Gallery for administration of some arts programs, including the Civic Arts Contracts and the Juried Art Show. For additional information, see http://www.pencegallery.org/civicarts.htm.

 

Public Art Planning

In late winter and early spring, the Civic Arts Commission will begin discussing locations and budgets for new public art projects. Suggestions are welcome. For more information, please contact the Community Services Department at (530) 757-5626 or csweb@cityofdavis.org.