Aspen council hears update on new Aspen Public Art program
Summary
City staff and Red Brick Center leaders presented the Aspen Public Art program, reviewed 2026 projects (Mall Fest 50 installations, bike-share and parade events), and previewed 2027 planning and a new permit and advisory group to guide public art selection and stewardship.
The Aspen City Council received a detailed update on the Aspen Public Art program on Aug. 24, with staff and Red Brick Center for the Arts leaders outlining recent projects, conservation efforts and policy work to support long-term stewardship. Sarah Roy, executive director of the Red Brick Center for the Arts, and Laura Whitley, ASCOM public art program lead, presented the program’s mission and a slate of temporary and permanent projects.
Roy framed the program’s purpose, saying, "Aspen Public Art creates community by connecting people to each other and to place through art experiences that build upon Aspen's legacy of innovation, creativity, and spirited independence." Whitley walked council through three 2026 Mall Fest 50 projects—“Shifting Light” canopy panels, the In Bloom pavement-art pilot tied to pedestrian-safety engineering, and a community-led art parade—then described a set of additional initiatives now through October and into next year.
Councilors asked about program infrastructure, including an inventory of public works and permitting. Whitley said staff are developing a purpose-built public-art permit and a public-arts advisory group to support project selection and community engagement, both targeted for development in Q3–Q4 and to be presented to council early next year. Staff emphasized the program’s focus on community building, inclusion and long-term stewardship as they set budget and policy priorities for maintenance and conservation.
This session was an information-only update; no motions or votes were taken.
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