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https://raleighnc.gov/arts/services/propose-public-art-project/community-initiated-public-art-process-and-toolkits
05/19/2026 1:09 pm

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Community-Initiated Public Art Process and Toolkits

Everything you need to know to add art to your community!

Updated: May 19, 2026

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Community-Initiated Process Toolkits Funding Opportunities Examples of Community Initiated Projects

Community-Initiated Process

Raleigh Arts has a program to help artists and community members add art to neighborhoods and public spaces. The public art team is available to guide you through project development, artist selection, gaining site approvals, and the City permitting process. This program is open to anyone interested in adding public art to City property, including artists, community members, organizations, and designers.

Raleigh Arts can help with projects that are: 

  • Proposed by anyone, artist or community member, who wants to add more public art to Raleigh 
  • DIY or "Do it Yourself" public art projects. 
  • Located on City-owned property (City buildings, City parks, sidewalks, parking decks, etc.) * 
  • Self-funded, community-funded, grant-funded, or sponsored. This process does not include funding from Raleigh Arts, but check out other funding opportunities if you need resources. 

* Raleigh Arts does not manage public art on state-owned or private property. For public art on private property, use iMAPS to find the property/business owner to work with them directly. 

View the application process and other requirements to propose a project.

Toolkits

Raleigh Arts has a set of toolkits to guide you through common community public art projects.   

Don’t see your idea covered in the toolkits? Review the miscellaneous DIY public art projects page to learn about the general request process and timeline, and submit your request.

Funding Opportunities

Raleigh Arts does not offer funding for DIY or Community-Initiated Public Art Projects. However, the City and our arts partners offer several funding opportunities related to art in public spaces.

Arts Funding Opportunities

Examples of Community Initiated Projects

Curious about what sorts of public artwork you could create? You can check out examples of current and past projects below. 

The artist stands in front of her wildflower mural

North Carolina Wildflower Mural at Eastgate Park

A new mural has been installed at Eastgate Park, celebrating the beauty of native plants while brightening the space with vibrant, locally inspired artwork. Created by self-taught artist Hannah Wistrom, the piece invites viewers to pause and appreciate North Carolina's natural landscapes.

Learn more about the mural

A colorful shipping container, covered in artwork, rests in an outdoor setting

A collaborative artwork in a shipping container, currently located at Dix Park.

Stitching Stories Reimagined

Stitching Stories Reimagined is a collaborative public artwork created by North Carolina based artists Eliza Redmann, Carlos Gonzalez, David Wilson, and Owens Daniels. Now installed at Dix Park, Stitching Stories Reimagined expands this deeply personal artwork into a 30‑foot‑long installation designed for both travel and long‑term display within a modified shipping container.

Learn more about the project

Related Links

 

Public Art

Community-Initiated Project Application

Artist Calls

Raleigh Arts

Tactical Urbanism- The City's Guide to Quick Build and Public Art Projects

Contact

 

Jenn Hales
Public Art Project Manager
jenn.hales@raleighnc.gov

Supported Services

 
Propose a Public Art Project
Artist Calls
Arts Resources
Public Art
Back to Arts
Back to Community
Back to Careers, Jobs, and Volunteering
Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Service Categories:
Raleigh Arts
Related Services:
Propose a Public Art ProjectArtist CallsArts ResourcesPublic Art

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Related Projects

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