Tempe council hears public-art plan update emphasizing local stories, accessibility and Indigenous voices

Tempe — City staff and outside consultants on Thursday presented an update on the city’s public art planning process, summarizing roughly 10 months of community engagement, a draft curatorial framework and next steps toward a fall 2025 final plan.

The public-art update, delivered by Brenda Abney, deputy community services director for arts and culture, and consultants Rebecca Bloom Rothman and Josh Lapp of Designing Local, outlined community priorities the team heard and suggested program aspirations and internal intentions to guide future acquisitions and placement of art across Tempe.

The presentation highlighted community feedback that residents want art “that impacts their daily life,” is integrated into public spaces and “celebrates the story of Tempe,” consultant Josh Lapp said. The team showed an inventory and maps indicating a dense downtown collection and said almost 80% of residents are within a 10-minute walk of at least one piece of public art. (A 20-minute-walk percentage mentioned in the presentation was not specified in the materials shown.)

Designing Local described a curatorial framework centered on natural elements (color, light, sky, land, water), local history and culture, Indigenous traditions and “surprise and innovation.” The consultants said the plan aims to boost equitable distribution of art, create interactive and place-based work, and expand opportunities for local artists.

Abney said the public-art planning process will continue with additional analysis and formulation of a draft plan through the summer and a target to roll out a final plan in the fall. She also said staff will use the draft framework to inform selection processes and future project aspirations.

Council members expressed support and asked about specific opportunities. Vice Mayor Garland welcomed the emphasis on Indigenous art and local artists, saying she was “glad that you have that as a part of it.” Councilor Bridal Adams asked whether utility boxes could be painted; staff replied the consultants provided aspirations and building blocks and that conversations about South Tempe utility-box projects are already underway.

Abney confirmed that the Human Relations Commission — for which a council liaison participates — was among early groups engaged and that the commission and other community representatives will be invited to serve on future selection panels.

The consultants and staff emphasized public engagement as the foundation for the plan and said the next phases (May–July) will produce a draft plan with recommendations for council and the community to review ahead of a final fall document.