Mayor's Fund for Las Vegas Life outlines public-art priorities, seeks private donors

Sally Dobler, CEO of the Mayor's Fund for Las Vegas Life, told the Las Vegas Arts Commission on Aug. 28 that the fund operates as a private-public partnership that channels donor-directed gifts and grants to city projects, including public art.

Dobler said the mayor's fund became an independent 501(c)(3) in 2023 and works with donors — individuals, foundations and corporations — to secure restricted gifts that the fund then grants to the city for the donor’s intended purpose. She described the organization as working “with the city and not for the city,” reporting to a board of directors and an advisory committee that provide oversight and strategy.

Dobler highlighted recent and planned public-art work supported by the fund. She noted past projects including murals in the historic West Side and the Goodman statues, which the fund helped raise money for and unveiled in November 2024 outside the old City Hall. Dobler also described a large memorial project moved from the Grant Sawyer Building to Ward 4 in Lone Mountain: an 18-bronze-statue installation honoring U.S. service members from the Revolutionary War through Afghanistan. She said that project is budgeted at $10,000,000, listed architect KGA, and is anticipated to open in October 2026 with an official launch on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

Dobler said the fund maintains a specific public-art account and typically matches or supplements city funding when donors restrict gifts to art initiatives. She emphasized accountability: the city must report impact back to the fund so donors receive confirmation that their restricted gifts were used as intended.

Answering commissioners’ questions about fundraising strategies, Dobler said the mayor’s fund is exploring broader donor pools beyond the usual local philanthropists. She suggested national or nonresident donors, company matches, micro-donation campaigns and outreach to professional athletes and sports organizations as potential sources of new support. Commissioners noted local high-net-worth individuals and incoming sports-related investment as outreach opportunities; Dobler said conversations were already underway with some local supporters.

Commissioners and staff asked about partnerships and scheduling for upcoming exhibits. Dobler referenced the Las Vegas Museum of Art (LACMA) collaboration and a planned exhibit at the Civic Center Art Gallery; she said specifics about exhibit dates would be shared as they are finalized.

Dobler closed by asking commissioners to help raise awareness — following the fund on social media and sharing fundraising calls — and said the mayor’s fund stands ready to collaborate with the city and cultural stakeholders.

The presentation was informational; no formal action was taken by the Arts Commission on the mayor’s fund items during the meeting.