Miami's Public Art Programs Transform Everyday Spaces with Works by Jaume Plensa, FriendsWithYou, and More

Key facts

• Miami-Dade County's Art in Public Places program was established in 1973 and allocates 1.5% of new county building construction costs to art.
• The program is administered by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and has acquired or commissioned over 650 works.
• Miami Beach's Art in Public Places program was established in 1984, with its ordinance adopted in 1995, and allocates 2% of hard construction costs for qualifying projects.
• Miami Beach's Legacy Purchase Program acquires works associated with Art Basel Miami Beach for its public collection.
• No Vacancy Miami Beach is a juried competition that transforms hotels into exhibition spaces for local artists.
• The Underline combines landscape design, public space, community programming, and artistic commissions along the Metrorail corridor.
• FriendsWithYou's Starchild was acquired by the City of Miami Beach for its permanent collection following public response.
• Public artworks are located at Miami International Airport, PortMiami, Zoo Miami, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and various parks, libraries, and courthouses.